Monthly Diary – April 2020

Well April has come and gone. We have all been in lockdown – the countryside has been quieter and the birds have been singing. For ourselves things have not altered that much except now, at the end of the month, we seem to have a lot more cyclists and walkers on the roads, bridleways and footpaths. I wish they would listen to Boris and stay at home! It does put myself and staff under pressure with the fear of Coronavirus as this area seems to be more popular than usual due the National Trust Killerton House/parking area being closed.

Calving has gone on at quite a pace – majority been born on their own, unassisted, outside – up and away in a very short space of time. Most of the cattle are now out because the grass took a long time to start growth this year.

The maize is in and the cereals are looking reasonable after the wet winter we had but no harvest records will be broken this year.

The market closures have posed a challenge for bull sales. Some business has been done on farm, some via photos and videos causing extra work. We have a good line up of Limousin bulls this spring and without markets some have failed to reach their full potential. The abattoirs continue to make life hard work and at some stages I do ask myself why I bother.

A number of young bulls and pedigree heifers are for sale – please call for up to date info.