John Davies: My heart skipped a beat when the sparks flew

Boys off silaging and a visit agreed to a few months earlier by the Denmead Growmore Club from Hampshire made it a hectic day. Fortunately, the weather was good for shearing and farm walks and it all passed off smoothly.

I am the youngest of five children - three boys and two girls - and both my brothers run units similar to ours. The business was split in the 1990s. We share some equipment and help each other shearing and other busy times. It works really well.

We took the wool in on a cancellation to our local depot, and once again received a very poor price for what is a natural product with many superior attributes over its man-made competitors. Another impact of the recession we’re told.

The weather has been good for silage making. We have done about 65ha (160 acres) of first cut and have been busy contracting as well. The new kit has gone well with only a few minor niggles, sorted by the New Holland boys whose service is second to none.

The winter wheat and barley is ripening much quicker than last year with the spring barley also coming on well. We’ll remain flexible on what we take dry, crimp and wholecrop as the season progresses.

We’ve planted about 2 hectares (5 acres) of swedes which worked well last year. They’re always a bit hit and miss, so fingers crossed. The end of the month saw us gather the ewes off the nearby military range of Epynt for shearing. They’re a hefted flock and keep to their walk pretty well.

After last year, I didn’t think there could be a down side to very hot sunny weather, but at one farm we had a scare with the forager.

While sharpening the forager, some sparks landed on some dry grass and started to smoulder. Luckily it was more smoke than fire and the fire extinguishers on-board soon sorted it, but the driver’s heart and mine missed a few beats.

The pressure is on to get things under control by the Royal Welsh Show, where it’s great to meet friends, learn about the latest developments and soak up the atmosphere and hwyl.

Have your say

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

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name