As 2018 draws to a close, for once we can look back and remember a year for all the right reasons. Farmers in the south will probably have a very different view, but here in the north west it was an absolutely glorious year.

When we finally got free from the beast from the east, the sun shone the grass grew, shorts and sun glasses were the only ppe that were needed for the months of June and July.

For the most part, farming was a real pleasure.

There wasn’t that usual pressure that poor weather brings to get jobs finished.

Usually in this country when we get a dry day there is two weeks work to do, but this year was different, it was more a case of “sure if we don’t get finished today, we’ll finish it tomorrow”. Even now, the weather is unseasonably mild.

Fields staying green

Fields are staying green, even land that is being grazed by sheep, and grass is actually growing. I have heard a few farmers saying that they are delaying housing ewes for lambing because stock are content and doing well outside.

I haven’t managed to let my calves out to grass by day yet, but I really must get geared up and get them out.

A few hours outside every day has great health benefits, especially when its warm and dry, they also start to nibble a bit of grass which is great for developing the rumen.

Breeding season

I have only four cows left to calf, focus is now turning to the breeding season which starts on the 1st Jan.

The first 25 cow that calved have received their annual BVD and Lepto vaccines, as well as my Saler maiden heifers. I will AI everything for the first two months and then probably run my Charolais bull with the cows. I am in a slightly different position this year from normal.

I usually run two bulls, a terminal Charolais and a maternal bull which could be Saler, Simmental or Limousine. I always use the maternal bull on my maiden heifers.

AI'ing heifers

It's just a simple system that works well for me. My heifers usually go in calf early in the season in a tight group and means it less watching for AI.

However, this year I have not replaced my Saler bull, he had to go as this year’s maiden heifers are bred from him. So instead of buying another bull I’ve decided to AI my heifers as well.

A bit more work but should result in better calves. Happy new Year to everyone and lets hope for a good sunny 2019.

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