No rest for the newborn

No. 100, my favourite cow, has calved!  And unlike every other cow, refused to calve until we followed her into the barn, so I'm adding 'Cow Doula' to my CV.

But  if this little heifer thought she deserved a rest after the birth experience, with an excellent mother like No. 100...think again:

Guaranteed to get a calf up and moo-ving.(...towards the annoying photographer.)

2013 is the Year of the 'B'.  First name out of the hat: 'Bathsheba ' - congratulations to Diana Jackson.  Special mention for Mrs Bennett, the first ginger heifer born will a 'Boudica'.  Inspired!

Equinox Walk

EQUINOX WALK

 followed by tea and cake at Lower Dairy Farm

Saturday 23^rd March

Leaving the Anchor Inn, Nayland at 2.00pm

Everyone is welcome!

 Join us for a walk from Nayland to Little Horkesley guided by Suffolk historian, Chris Hunt.  You’ll get to learn a little about the history of our local villages before we finish off with tea and cake at Lower Dairy Farm!

For more information, contact the Transition Nayland team: info@transitionnayland.co.uk

Work to be done...

The newest arrivals to the farm, three Berkshire weaners.

These pigs are tasked with clearing the farmstead we call 'Bethlehem'.  Formerly a cattle yard and shed (hence the name), this area is somewhat overgrown - a des res complete with harrows, a seed drill, a plough and the remains of a cart used to transport casualties in WWI (so the story goes).  We've cleared away all things sharp and nasty and today the Horkesley Porkers were released to dig and snuffle their way through the site.  Free-range living at its finest!

For meat you want to eat!

Love is...

..sharing a muddy puddle with your Valentine.

But the prize for cutest farm couple will always go to:  http://lowerdairyfarm.co.uk/blog/2012/02/14/for-the-love-of/

Happy Valentine's Day!

All go on the farm...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2-QWOg2AgI&feature=youtu.be

With furrowed brow...

"It may not have the horsepower of a Fendt, but it's better than a horse."

Wise words from Dad, who had an early start to catch the brief frost and plough the first furrows of the season.

A good morning's work completed before the tractor limped off the field with an oil leak.  That nicely rearranges today's "work-plan"; we'll be scrambling under the tractor this afternoon trying to trace the drip!

In the meantime, I'm hoping Humbug's aversion to mud will result in the furrows between us and Bailey's Cottages forming a barrier against future garden-hopping escapades.  Unfortunately, he doesn't just head up there to enjoy the view.

I bet Constable didn't have this problem.

Wiston Mill and the Matador

A sunny view to Great Horkesley Church from Wiston Mill.  Centre stage, our spare 'beast of the valley', the Claas Matador.