John Davies: Some calves with scours but relief as the herd tests clear for TB

I think the host family were excellent ambassadors for our industry and Kate and Adam effectively translated the trials, tribulations and satisfaction of lambing to the general viewing public – warts and all.

Most of the guests who stayed with us at Pentwyn Cottages over the Easter period were riveted by the programme and keen to participate in feeding lambs, etc, with us. Their questions were wide ranging and eager to learn more about farming.

The cows have been calving quite busy and some calves have had a nasty case of scours, which needed stomach tubing and pills. We are still awaiting the results to see whether we need to vaccinate. At present, we’ve turned them out and things seem a bit better.

The high pressure may be bad for air traffic, with the Icelandic dust coming our way, but the sun is very welcome. We have borrowed a Pratley mobile sheep handling system from a friend, for marking lambs. We have moved round the bunches in the fields and it has worked really well.

Dad is very forward thinking and wanted to buy one a few years ago. As normal, I was a bit tight and thought it too expensive. If I find a good deal, I think I will change my mind.

Off farm, we have just had our Brecon Minis Tournament. My under 9’s team just lost to Pontypridd in the semi-final. It was tied at full time and we lost to a golden try in extra time.

Overall, Brecon did very well – winning two out of the four age groups. But more importantly, more than 400 young boys and girls from South Wales took part in an excellent rugby day.

This last week has been quite hectic between marking lambs and our whole herd TB test. It is always a stressful, worrying time and I was very relieved that once again, we went clear.

The impact this terrible disease has, on man and beast, is not understood by certain people. Thanks goodness the Assembly is taking the policy forward to eradicate it in the future.

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment