The holiday cottage was used as a music studio for one week. Talking of music, at the time of writing this we have half an empty calf shed because of Glastonbury Rock Festival. Our calves are coming from the farm next door to Glasto and there is some sort of issue with access. Michael Eavis is a legend, not only for Glastonbury but he has one of the top performing dairy herds in the UK. Don’t think he was too popular with neighbours in the early days either. Diversification is part and parcel of many farms these days. Some of us have a livery yard, and others super cool rock festivals. We have had a wonderful work experience lad, Will Smith join us this week. He has been fantastic, what a worker! We have not put him off farming….yet. I am sure he will have a great future; he is a much better tractor driver than me (not difficult!) I was worried about the legal hours working and ‘tried’ to send him home but he refused until the job was completed. Will has done lots of tasks; least keen was the castration of bull calves. The conversation went: Will “Do you really need me or shall I carry with this job?” (Loading wood) Me: “Yes Will, we really need you”. Will: “Lots to do here still” Me: ”It’s the very pretty young vet”. Will “OK then” Note here: The vet is very pretty but did a darned professional job and took the time to explain procedure to Will who is learning. I love it when experienced people take time to explain to students.
We broke the record for number of people in our little kitchen last week, I brought out every spare chair and then thought I would have to sit on Mike’s lap (he found another chair…..strange that!). I was quite worried about the rickety floor boards holding up with the combined weight. It would be a disaster if our lovely 1980’s (falling apart) kitchen crashed through into the foundations. In true farming style every penny goes into the business so fencing/cattle equipment/tractor repairs come before a new kitchen. One day there will be a peasant’s revolt that will make the Tollpuddle martyrs look lightweight, my only demand…a new kitchen. Watch this space. If you want to see some short video clips of us farming just go to Longhope Livery or Fiona Caspersen Facebook page/s.
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