Harvest done, now it's time to look to the future...

I'm pleased to report that we have completed a successful harvest and that the sowing of our new crops is well underway.
The new crop of Oilseed Rape has been sown using a reduced cultivation which saves on fuel and CO2. We have also sown fewer seeds to create larger plants that will be healthier and require less in the way of pesticides.
The living mulch we are creating is now sown, too, and the rainfall of late has helped germination, so the plant populations are looking good.
Winter Barley has been sown on the fields where the wheat was chopped and spread. We have also applied farmyard manure to encourage the breakdown of the straw to provide nutrients.
What is known as a 'break crop' - brassicas in this case - have been sown on two fields to provide winter feed for the sheep, but this also helps prevent the leaching of nitrogen and carbon.
In the spring, these two fields will be sown with beans to provide protein for the livestock.
On the shop side, I am very pleased to welcome on board a very competent and experienced butcher.
The nights are drawing in and Christmas is looming. The continuing threat of Avian Flu may have a profound effect this year. Sadly, I have to report that our supplier of Barbary ducks has been unable to source ducklings.
So far, turkeys and geese seem safe (fingers crossed!).
And finally, the August Bank holiday saw a record crowd at the steam rally in the park. Hopefully, normality is returning.
Stay safe,
David