In your field: Helen Stanier - "I am determined to start the year optimistically"

I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas and New Year. We enjoyed a busy Christmas, spending time with friends and family in between jobs on the farm

clock • 2 min read
Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her family at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers
Image:

Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her family at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers

We had a break from calving for a couple of weeks, but there were still 200 cows going through the parlour on Christmas Day, plus all the daily feeding and bedding to be done, of course. The team started...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Life

Cumbrian farmer John Hall reflects on eight decades of stockmanship to reach the top of British fatstock

Cumbrian farmer John Hall reflects on eight decades of stockmanship to reach the top of British fatstock

A stalwart of livestock farming, John Hall looks back on his life, from national fatstock championships to foot-and-mouth, and his family who have kept him going throughout

clock 18 January 2026 • 8 min read
King Charles backs book championing the role of trees on farm

King Charles backs book championing the role of trees on farm

Farmers share their stories of how planting is boosting profitability and climate reslience

clock 15 January 2026 • 2 min read
Pedigree Aberdeen-Angus, Black Baldy cattle and arable rotation thrive at Scottish Borders farm

Pedigree Aberdeen-Angus, Black Baldy cattle and arable rotation thrive at Scottish Borders farm

Pedigree cattle breeding is a passion for the Hodge family, who believe their mixed farming system is key to their business success

Wendy Short
clock 15 January 2026 • 7 min read