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

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

Many customers show a great interest in the farm and what is going on beyond the shop and the cafe. Consequently I have been encouraged to create a blog with, I hope, regular updates. It may not be as colourful as The Archers, but here goes...
The farm in total is 420 acres, or 168 hectares if you prefer. The whole area is tenanted. It is a very mixed farm, with arable crops of wheat, barley, field beans and sometimes oilseed rape in the rotation. There is also 180 acres of parkland.
The parkland is very traditional, with a wide range of trees and to help maintain it, we farm it sympathetically, with a low stocking rate and low usage of any fertiliser or chemical weed control. With the cooperation of our neighbour, part of the parkland is used to host a steam and vintage rally every year.
The grassland is used for grazing a flock of 300 ewes with their lambs, and approximately 50 head of beef cattle. The cattle are purchased at between 10 and 12 months old from traditional suckler herds. The aim is to be able to supply the farm shop with grass-fed beef 12 months of the year.
To enhance the biodiversity of the farm, we are involved in higher level stewardship. We approach this with three and six-metre headlands for fields to protect the flora and fauna. We also cultivate two acres of wild bird seed cover to provide food for the birds during the winter months.
An area of seven acres has reverted to natural woodland and scrub, which helps to offset our carbon footprint.
Hopefully this introduction will give you an insight into Churncote Farm.
Life goes on as far as possible in these times, so our workload at present involves the weaning of lambs, the topping of pastures to control weeds and grass growth - and for preparing for our corn harvest. This includes cleaning and disinfecting the grain store, and maintenance and service of the harvesting machinery.
In the scale of things, we are small arable farmers, therefore we use a contractor for the combining. In a bid to keep machinery costs down, many machines are pooled with Sue's sons, Philip and Peter, who also muck in with the labour.
We all know the weather has been difficult for 12 months, so let's hope Mother Nature doesn't let us down.
We hope you are all keeping well and you are able to enhance the new ways we have to live by.