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Farm to fork...

Winter storms and the promise of spring lambs...

7/1/2022

 
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One of the four big trees brought down by Storm Arwen
Happy new year to you all, and best wishes for 2022.
Things have been rather manic since I last wrote. There was Storm Arwen, which left its course of damage: Four large trees in the park were brought down along with several branches. There was also some structural damage to roofs.
Christmas brought its usual amount of chaos and hard work, but thanks to a very good team here, all went smoothly.
Everything is getting back to normal, but it's never that simple. We are all feeling the effect of the increase in oil prices. In farming this has caused the more than doubling of fertiliser prices, which I'm afraid will force up the prices of many food items.
On the other hand, I'm pleased to report that we scanned the sheep yesterday and Spring should see lambs aplenty. The results were: 32 sets of triplets; 124 twins; and 45 with single lambs. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us and the grass will grow.
Covid is still rearing its ugly head and we appear to be learning to live with it. Let's hope that we can stay safe, as it's not really possible to run a shop and a café working from home.
That's all for now.
David

Christmas is coming - and I think we're about ready...

3/11/2021

 
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Many people appear to be getting excited that Christmas is just seven weeks and a couple of days away. I have to admit that it fills us with trepidation, however we will all do our best to ensure a smooth (but no doubt busy) run up to it.
On the farm, it is good to report that all the winter crops have been sown and are looking well. The cattle are all housed and the sheep are being moved round the farm to mop up the grass. At least I won't be fretting that there are last minute jobs to be done.
The winter months will be spent looking after the stock and then some maintenance and repairs in the buildings and along the fences round and about.
Last time, I mentioned that we were TB testing the cattle. I can report that the herd is clear of TB and that is a great relief.
Autumn is upon us, which means the usual bouts of colds and flu - and obviously Covid is rearing its ugly head again. Also, there are new cases of avian influenza - "Bird Flu" - in the country again. Hopefully this can be contained.
From the end of this week we should have our Christmas 2021 order forms printed - although it is available to download on the website already.
I'm pleased to report that our local suppliers are fully stocked and, as far as possible, we hope to fulfil expectations. To ensure that the kitchen can prepare orders, we will be closing the cafe from Monday, December 20, as we did last year.
As many of you are aware, I recently had a hip replacement. I'm pleased to report that all is well.
Finally, I have to report that Mike, one of our butchers, and Calum from the cafe have moved on. We wish them well in their new jobs.
Stay safe
David

One thing always leads to another...

23/9/2021

 

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
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It's coming to that time of year for the sheep to get passionate

Harvest time and an upside-down-pedicure for the rams...

12/8/2021

 
David Clarke and his granddaughter inspect the wheat crop at Churncote.
Grandad and granddaughter inspecting the crops: I think we're ready to harvest, Jessica...
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

Summer: Sheep, silage, sunflowers and sorghum...

10/6/2021

 
Summer has suddenly appeared and everything is growing like mad. As usual, things are busy on the farm. The sheep have been shorn, two fields of grass have been mown for silage and a hectare of sunflowers with radish and sorghum have been sown for the wild birds.
The cold weather that we had in May meant that many of the blossoms and flowers lasted for a long time. I think most notable was the oilseed rape, where fields were bright yellow for many weeks. Hopefully this will result in high yields.
May 17 saw an easing of lockdown, so eating indoors was possible. As a result, the cafe was reopened and it's great to have the staff back.
There are one or two new faces, too. Hospitality and shop work is, for many people young and not-so-young a stopping off place between jobs or colleges, so staff turnover can be quite high.
That said, Gemma, who has been with us for several months, is moving on into a full time job and we wish her good luck.
The sun is shining and the BBQs are lit, which means the butchers are very busy making kebabs, burgers and sausages. The first weekend is always a bit hectic, but butchers Mike and Steve soon got into their stride and provided their usual tip-top service.
On a personal note, I have to report that on May 4 Pete and Beth welcomed daughter Evelyn at some ungodly hour of the morning. Mother and baby are doing well and, needless to say, Grandma and I are delighted with the addition to the family.
I appreciate the NHS and volunteers continue to do really well, so hopefully most will have had their two vaccines soon and life can return to normal.
Stay safe,
David
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    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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