The farm: “I milk 290 cows on a 260ac platform in partnership with my parents, Lottie and Antoinette. The system has been a great springboard into farming, combining my energy with their wisdom.”
Grazing: “At the start of September, it was looking as if we were going to run tight on grass so we brought the cows in and turned to zero grazing. Fortunately, this past week grass is jumping out of the ground again which takes a lot of pressure off.”
This week: “We are TB-testing so fingers crossed all goes well. We didn’t pass too much remarks on the Department’s recent TB risk letters. If they are the most of your worries then I suppose you’re not too badly off.”
Travel: “I studied at Kildalton Agricultural College and during this time I got the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. I was amazed by how efficient their systems are and how easily the New Zealanders are able to manage large dairy farms.”
Career choice: “Originally, I had planned to become a teacher, with great time off and set hours. At first, farming didn’t appear to offer this but with the right scheduling of your farm jobs it is more than possible to prioritise some down time.”
Fitness: “On returning home from New Zealand, I started running as a hobby. I go for a jog every morning before milking and no matter what else you do that day you feel like you have already accomplished something.”
Testing times: “2020 has been a tough year on everyone with the various restrictions and worries people are living with. It’s more important now than ever to look after each other and power through these extremely draining times.”
Work-life balance: “I’m a Zurich Farm Insurance ambassador, with a focus on helping other farmers with their physical and mental health. The farmer is the most important cog in the wheel and a good work-life balance is key.”
Quotable quote: “Life is fundamentally made up of credit and debit. You need to find the balance.”
SHARING OPTIONS