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Farm to fork...

Still 'farm assured' after a glorified paper chase...

5/5/2021

 
They say time flies when you're enjoying yourself. Well, we have been very busy with spring work and the shop has been exceptional with an early Easter and the start of the BBQ season.
Suddenly I was served notice it was time for a farm audit.
​Now, I have to admit that I am not very savvy with some technology, so to be told that this was going to be held on WhatsApp caused me much trepidation.
Basically a farm audit is a glorified paper chase, so my afternoon was spent diving in and out of files to prove that there was written evidence to all the happenings in the farming year.
I am pleased to say, that although a fault was found 'which pleased the examiner', we have passed the test and we are still farm assured.
One of the next jobs on the farm is to vaccinate all the new-born lambs. This is to protect them from clostridial diseases. These are bacterial diseases - and the first symptoms are generally sudden death! Obviously, prevention is better than cure.
By the end of May we should be shearing the sheep, which is not only harvesting the wool, but is beneficial to the sheep, so they don't over heat.
What we need is for someone to come up with a really good use for the wool, because at the moment, it has no value.
We have fertilised the crops, tending them with loving care. But it is so cold they are refusing to grow. I'm sure many of you are having the same problems in your own gardens.
I am pleased to report that Esme, who worked with us for a while, has finished college, passed her exams and has landed herself a job with a firm of solicitors.
Roll on May 17, when hopefully the cafe will open for indoor seating. I know the kitchen are working on an exciting new menu, but I daren't interfere.
Stay safe.
David

Picture
Keeping it in the family - you're never too young to start weaning lambs.
    Picture

    Author

    David Clarke has been farming at Churncote for many years. He and wife Sue started selling the produce from the farm in 2003, which gives him long-standing insight into the reality of the farm to fork process. David will be sharing his experience regularly here.

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