Elation as cows go out

FINALLY, on May 20 we put the last of our cows outside – although some will still get silage for another week.

It is one of the great days of a livestock farmer’s year – open the doors and let them run. We remembered to give the last of the cows their second BVD jab and the calves have all been vaccinated against blackleg.

Grass growth at the end of that week was tremendous, but the week starting May 24 was cooler, so I do hope it warms up.

Ewes have all had their feet done and tails clipped. Lambs have been given their first clostridial injection and were scratched against orf. This took around 10 days to do, but I feel it is time well spent. The lambs look well, all things considered, but it has cost us a fortune in extra feed to get to this stage.

Higher pastures

The sheep have all now been cleared from the silage fields and pushed on to higher pastures. The silage fields have been fertilised and, son Ewan, has been rolling them when he has some time off from studying for his Standard grade exams.

We had to gather a lot of little stones from three fields which were harrowed earlier in the spring. This was a family affair and, along with some others, we got the job done before Kirstie went off to play cricket for Huntly. She plays most weekends and although only 12, has no fear of any fast bowler.

On Saturday May 22, the area NFU organised a dinner dance at Thainstone auction mart.

Almost 500 people were there and the event raised £30,000 for various charities. I congratulate everyone who worked hard to make the event the success it was.

We were ready for a good night out and you can’t beat good roast beef, good whisky and good company. Life has its moments – if you stick with it.

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