June has been super busy workwise. We're really ramping up now, all in preparation for tip-taking (cutting the daughter plants from the ‘mother' plants) and planting at the end of the month – both strawberries and raspberry plugs.
Strawberries and Raspberries
It is the busiest time of year – when you have a few million to do it is no mean feat – and the workforce goes to almost 10 times what it has been all spring.
Sometimes it feels like that multiplication is also true for my stress levels. Naturally, with these things, there is a lot to do and it all needs to be done at the same time.
We have had a bit of success from last month, in that we have got some beds in and the slight taper looks a treat. There is no three-metre poly layer on the market I can find (although I am sure you could get a custom one – if so, please get in touch), so we have had to improvise.
READ NOW: FG 180: Renowned sheepdog trialler's career spans 40 years in the industry
Although I had a plan of action in mind, it was very much trial and error on the first couple, but after a few tweaks of the system, the guys got it working well, albeit more manual than I would like in an ideal world.
Machinery
If we stick with it for next year, a machine is definitely on my wish list. A still day makes huge bounds with productivity, so we are picking and choosing days. The main job now is filling up and placing trays on top ready for the strawberry plants, which goes on for a few weeks.
I am also looking into a set of tracks for one of our tractors so we do not rut up the field during the year. The trouble is, it is more than £40,000 for the tracks, then you need a tractor to put them on which you can only really use for one thing, and you cannot really take it down the road either.
READ NOW: FG 180: The great change in farm mechanisation over the last 180 years
But if we want to mechanise more of the process and take more weight into the field then it certainly plays its part. Would it be beneficial? Absolutely. Can I justify it financially? The jury is still out.
Wildflowers
On other areas of the farm, it has been really nice to see the wildflower areas coming into their own and looking superb.
One thing that was noticeable while in California was the lack of almost anything environmental on the ranches, so the mix of colours and wildlife around the farm was something that stood out as soon as I got back.
READ NOW: Kelvin Fletcher to open Cheshire farm to help fulfil the public's farming dream
With the arable work under control, the drill has been on with a few of these areas being reseeded or stitched into. Outside of all of this I am still trying to finish putting in some raised beds in the garden at home.
It was last year's summer project, which I am determined won't be next year's. All I need now is some good weather and a bit of free time – fingers crossed.
