Yesterday was officially the first day of autumn - so the days are getting shorter, the nights colder, and guess what? We have a shortage of gas with the knock-on effect of a shortage of carbon dioxide, which could lead to shortages of food.
Unfortunately, the 'powers that be' don't seem to understand how so many industries are dependent on each other and that many items can't be turned on and off like a tap.
We as a country are only producing 52 per cent of our food and we're very dependent on imports. This, I feel, leaves the country very vulnerable.
We mustn't be complacent. 'Dig for victory' comes to mind, but I'll get off my high horse now and get back to farming at Churncote.
This week we're involved with TB testing of the cattle, so fingers crossed all is well.
Cow update, September 27: All well, thankfully...
So far the weather is being kind and the oilseed rape has been sown. Out of personal interest, I have sown one field early, on August 13, and one on September 20. This is in an effort to beat the aphids which can decimate a crop. 
Next we move on to drilling barley, which is used for livestock feed. Finally, we'll drill the wheat, which is suitable for biscuit or animal feed.
On the farm it's coming to that time of year for the sheep to get passionate, so they are all being inspected for their suitability to breed and rear lambs.
On the Covid-related side of things, we are very pleased that customers are wearing masks when they come into the shop. The cafe is making a good recovery after being closed for so much of the time and the weather has helped because many patrons have been able to sit outside.
Well, time for me to stop writing and to go and drive a tractor.
Stay safe, and thanks...
David

It's August 11 and the wheat harvest is commencing at Churncote. So far this year, harvest has been on and off because the weather can't seem to be able to make its mind up. The weather presenters keep promising a heatwave, but where is it?
Sorry, it's been two months since the last missive and a lot has happened in that time.
The first cut of silage has been harvested, the lambs have been weaned from their mothers and the winter barley has been harvested. 
Also, the rams have had a pedicure! Because they're so large, we use a roll-over crate that restrains them and presents their feet facing upwards. Next job with the sheep will be to examine the ewes with a view to culling the ones not suitable to keep for breeding.
This summer we've also been working on restoring a wetland for waterfowl. This has involved damming a water course and using  form of sluice gate to control water levels.
Covid restrictions have been lifted, but for the protection of staff and customers we would appreciate it if people would continue to wear a face covering in the shop. In the cafe we felt it was important to leave the tables distanced so that patrons felt more comfortable. For the present, at least, the outdoor seating is offering more covers.
Staycations appear to be having a huge influence on the cafe and the shop, so we hope our new customers are enjoying the experience and will come again.
As ever, stay safe,
David

Saturday, September 5, 12.30pm - The combine has started to roll again after rain stopped us harvesting on Wednesday. In America there are are apparently many people who chase storms, we're quite the opposite, we have to run to try to complete a job before the next storm comes.
In the meantime, Sue and I have not been idle. We have been to purchase 100 sheep to bring in replacements for our flock. They're a mixture of Suffolk crosses, black-faced sheep, and Texel cross white-faced sheep.
Harvest time isn't just about cereal crops and big machines. We have also been busy picking apples from our own orchard for sale in the shop. We also have damsons. Hopefully some of them will end up as damson gin.
I'm also pleased to report that Steve the Potato Man from the Rolly Farm in Knockin has promised us that bags of potatoes will be available from Monday.
News from Cote Kitchen is that Dawn and Catherine have moved on to pastures new. We wish them both good luck. Sue and Ange have taken on the task of recruiting replacements.
On the plus side from our point of view, there are many people out there looking for a job. I really wish more people could be gainfully employed again and that hopefully the country will be back up and running soon.
The schools are back; it's September. The sun is bound to shine, so I had better get back to work!
All the best, stay safe,
David