More Silage
29/06/10 14:37
Grass silaging went well last week. We made about 600 tonnes of silage and a further 63 big round bales of silage, which will be used next winter to feed the cows and young-stock.
Silage
22/06/10 12:52
Silage is the forage we feed our cows during the winter months when the fields are too muddy, the grass doesn’t grow, and the cows are housed. The surplus grass that we have in May and June is not grazed but left to grow as much as possible. The contractors are coming this week to mow the fields (Tues). The grass is then left to wilt for 24 hours, before being picked up by the forage harvester. This machine (top picture) gathers the grass, chops it into small lengths, and blows it into the trailer. Once the trailer is full, it then takes the grass back to the farm, to the silage pit where it is tipped up (bottom picture). There will be three trailers bringing the grass back, so that the forage harvester doesn’t stop. The machine on top of the grass keeps pushing the grass in, and compacting it. Once all the grass is in, we seal it with a big sheet, and secure it with tyres on top. The grass ferments, producing silage for next winter’s feed.
Top Award for Phil!
15/06/10 11:29
Phil was presented with the South of England Agricultural Society’s Award at the south of England Show at Ardingly last week. The award is presented annually to an individual who has given outstanding service to farming, forestry or horticulture in the south. As chairman of Hailsham Market Action Group, Phil led local farmers’ resistance to the planned closure of the town’s ancient market. He began his career as a herdsman, before gaining a farm tenancy and going on to found a dairy co-operative as well as managing running the farm with Steve. Phil was nominated for the award by NFU South East representative William White, and Nigel Wilson of the Heathfield Agricultural Show Society. Mr White said: “Phil has proved to be both an innovative farmer and passionate campaigner who connects well with farmers and consumers alike. The industry - at both local and national level - has benefitted hugely from his leadership and drive."
Hailsham Ida 20
07/06/10 15:04
It’s really sad time, Ida died on Sunday night. She hadn’t been herself.The vet looked at her on Friday and Saturday, and thought her heart didn’t sound right. She was quite a character.
She always took her time, never got flustered, and absolutely loved meeting people!
Ida was born on the 11th July 1998.Her mum, Ida 11, was also a really quiet friendly cow.Ida had nine calves, two of those are now milking cows, Ida 23 and Ida 28.
Ida will be in the a film called The Mooman, all about the farm. One of her highlights was her day out to Eastbourne for a photo shoot two years ago. Her nostrils really flared when she smelt the sea air, and she loved all the attention from people. She didn’t want to go back home! We are all going to miss her on the farm.
She always took her time, never got flustered, and absolutely loved meeting people!
Ida was born on the 11th July 1998.Her mum, Ida 11, was also a really quiet friendly cow.Ida had nine calves, two of those are now milking cows, Ida 23 and Ida 28.
Ida will be in the a film called The Mooman, all about the farm. One of her highlights was her day out to Eastbourne for a photo shoot two years ago. Her nostrils really flared when she smelt the sea air, and she loved all the attention from people. She didn’t want to go back home! We are all going to miss her on the farm.
Ida's day out in Eastbourne, with Steve, Phil and Paul