It’s been a while since my last entry which is because of sleep deprivation really. Lambing time set off quite slowly and then went in an almighty rush. This meant broken nights and long days and the adrenalin only lasts so long. Good to report that we have had lots of lambs this year and the weather has been kind to us too. Whisper it quietly but we could do with some rain to make the grass grow.

Having said that we do have some grass with the lengthening days and warmer temperatures. So yesterday was deemed grass day for the cows. Round here grass day means the day that your cattle are turned out of their winter quarters and a diet of silage and onto some grass in a field. We had deliberately kept our sheep out of a 30 acre field to allow it to be fresh for the cattle. So yesterday when the doors where flung open and following a short pause to assess the situation, the cows set off at high speed. There is much bawling, waving of tails, kicking of heels and general silliness. Andrew set off with the quad in front and a bag of feed for them and fortunately they all followed him to their destination. Even more amazingly the young calves followed too. Often they are like the proverbial headless chickens and set off in every direction except the one you want them to.

The high excitement over the cows soon take to grazing and within a week or two their coats will be free of the dust and shaggy hair of winter and they will shine. In the farming year grass day always feels like a corner turned.

Just a few warm showers please – but whisper it quietly.