What a classic month. Fine weather , cattle still out, grass just about growing with autumn approaching. We have started buffer feeding young stock to keep them going but because it is so warm we are putting off weaning until November. All calves have been vaccinated with pasteurella and intranasal pre weaning.
I took 3 bulls to Carlisle. Unfortunately one failed the inspection but sold the other two. Trade was a little sticky. I was hoping to purchase another bull but this didn’t take place – nothing with the correct breeding caught my eye . During October we had a TB test which ended up taking one of our senior stock bulls and one cow so I subsequently bought Norman Harvest – an older bull to get the cows in calf. He has been very busy during his first 10 days, fingers crossed everything is OK.
Killerton Bulls
I am taking young bulls to Brecon on 12 November and Welshpool on 26th November.
I had the pleasure of presenting the prizes to the North West Midlands and North Wales Herd which was enjoyable meeting fresh faces and new breeders.
At long last we have agreed a new rent for the farm with the National Trust. It’s a shame they have a different angle on agriculture and farming than we do as farmers and I don’t think they appreciate what we do to look after the countryside for the general public who visit us in vast numbers now a days which causes its own problems. This has been particularly noticeable recently with the fine weather and autumn colours.
Grain prices seem to be improving, beef prices remaining static. We all need a crystal ball yet again to see what the future holds to meet the differing markets.