William and Andrew Cowx: The sun shines on our trials and show

We managed to get our second cut, so we should have sufficient to see us through the winter. We have fertilised all of the silaged ground, so should have a nice flush of grass for the ewes before tupping.

Since I last reported, we have had our local sheepdog trials and our local show.

Both events proved very successful and attracted a lot of people due to the brilliant sunshine on both days.

It is good that we can keep these events going and thanks mainly to a lot of hard work by committee members.

I had a very interesting trip to Ireland, seeing a lot of very good cattle and experiencing excellent Irish hospitality.

Respect for system

What I will remember most is all the new and very large houses which have been built in rural Ireland and the way they make the best use of their grass by using electric fences. All the cattle – bulls included – seemed to respect the system.

Andrew and his girlfriend have been on holiday in Corfu this last week, so I have been busy selling sheep, calving cows and keeping the builders happy. Some 100 prime lambs averaged £70, and 75 Texel x ewe lambs averaged £89, leaving us with about 100 lambs to sell, which we have started creep feeding.

Only a few cows have calved, but with mixed results. In spite of working within about 100 yards of a calving cow, one managed to lose its calf.

Andrew calved it and its heart was beating but he could not get it to breath despite frantic activity.

You don’t know whether to kick the calf, kick the cow or kick yourself, but end up feeling totally gutted, not so much the monetary value but as a life that you should have saved.

Next weekend we are celebrating a 70th birthday, 50 years farming at Hudscales and a ruby wedding anniversary. Then we are off to Italy for a well deserved rest.

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