John Walton: First cut is safely in

It seems the Government aspires to reduce the red tape we all have to endure, which begs the question: How are we all going to fill our days?

I feel this is not a favour to us, or a realisation of the problem, but more the powers that be having run out of money to pay the people to deal with the paperwork. Quite a lot of streamlining there then, Mr Cameron.

Back to business and hopefully I’m not the only one with first cut silage in safe and sound - most people should have some pretty good stuff in the clamp by now.

I found the solution to a lighter first cut is to put it into a smaller clamp. It gives you peace of mind the shed is full - simple really.

Cows are grazing well and are getting quite fond of their dock grass supplement. They seem to graze all around for their main course, then take the dock for desert. As we decided to carry on buffer feeding silage, we’re giving them the full three courses.

We are making sure there is plenty of water in the collecting area immediately before and after milking. We struggle a little with water pressure in the field in summer, so ensuring there is plenty of water around the yard, especially on the way out, makes a big difference.

Our cereals look clean - the increased autumn seed rate has helped suppress the weed burden. It will be interesting to see if yields increase. I’m hoping for an extra half a ton per acre. It may be a little ambitious, but keep the glass half full, I say.

The wholecrop beans and triticale mix is looking well, with each competing well for the sunlight. Hopefully plenty of bulk and lots of pods will mean higher protein levels - fingers crossed.

The vegetables are going in - and coming out - well and brassicas have responded well to the rain. I even think we are winning the battle against the weeds!

I have just been watching the news about the BP oil leak and the trouble they are having plugging it.

I wonder if anyone has asked the farming community for help? I know a few people who have the ideas needed to stop it (not mentioning any names, Alf or Rob) and probably not for the millions it is costing, but for ‘a few notes in cash’.

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