April has been a busy month with the family. Our daughter Catherine ran the Paris Marathon in a very good time, completing it in 4 hrs 11 mins. This was her first marathon and I was pleased to see her compete in France and also tick off some of the city sights. Later in the month Lizzie undertook to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End. She completed this expedition in 8 ½ days – cycling 80-130 miles each day (912 miles in total) through wind and rain on many occasions. Lizzie has raised over £2500 for Devon Air Ambulance through a justgiving.com site. Well done both of them – for all the training done over the winter months and their great achievements.
Miller, Muddy,Merry Go Round and McCoy
Back to the farm and reality. We finally turned out some cattle by the end of April but the river meadows were still too wet. We have managed to eat off some silage ground as that was the only fields available so a rethink is on the cards.
Freddie (Jason Down) started working at Columbjohn early April – taking charge of the cattle and working with Dan. Together they have started to catch up on stock work but everything is at least 2 weeks behind due to weather. Winter has been long and very tiring.
Killerton Mellow at Holsworthy sale
I took 4 bulls to the Holsworthy Sale – trade was a struggle which is unusual. Two bulls were sold – Killerton Mellow for £3400 which was slightly disappointing but good on the day. Killerton Mighty was also sold to an existing local customer.
We are just getting 4 young bulls ready for the Brecon Sale – 12 May – Killerton Miller, Muddy, Merrygoround and McCoy.
Let’s hope May is a good month for crops/grass to make up for the lost time this spring.