Apologies for not updating the blog recently, but my life has been a little manic.
​There's a saying that the seasons come and go, but at present there doesn't seem to be a distinction between them and they all merge into one. At the time of sowing it was very dry and that affected the germination of our crops and, although we have had a few sunny days, we are suffering a lot of cold ones.
Harvest will soon be upon us, with oilseed rape and winter barley crops ripening fast. Silage and hay have both been made, so we should have ample forage for the winter months.
The face of farming is changing rapidly, what with the demands to cut CO2 emissions and the trouble in Ukraine that is forcing up the price of fuel, fertiliser and food.
With this in mind, I'm trying what is called a 'living mulch'. This is basically a field of clover that wheat seeds can be drilled into so that the nitrogen-fixing clover feeds the wheat crop. It sounds simple, but it does require very precise management.
Also to provide nutrients, much of the straw can be chopped at harvest and spread on the field, acting as a form of compost.
Back on the theme of seasons, the English asparagus season has finished and now we are into new potatoes and strawberries.
With current inflation in food prices, I feel it would be a good idea for people to grow some vegetables in amongst their flowers - or if room allows, create an actual vegetable patch.
It's not that I want to put myself out of a job, I just feel every little helps.
Stay safe,
David

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

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