October always seems like an all-go month, both for work and for socials.
North Island’s 8000-acre Otapawa Station ran 22,000 sheep, a few hundred Hereford suckler cows and 2,600 dairy-cross mixed-age cattle, with five full-time staff, and several working dogs.
Inaccessible pastures could be improved through helicropping – dropping grass seed over ground by helicopter – and cattle grazed the electric fenced road verges to make use of every blade of grass. There were countless interesting lessons about NZ’s various farming systems, export markets, and farming without subsidies.There’s also lots to experience at home in the UK, with farming discussion groups and Young Farmers’ Clubs offering talks and visits, welcoming anyone keen to learn.
The Blymhill Agricultural Discussion Group committee is planning next summer’s farm walks, after this year seeing cheese production at Joseph Heler Cheese, touring Isobelle and Richard Robinson’s dairy enterprise at Stoke-on-Tern and exploring strawberry production with Charles Kidson at Lower Reule Farm.
After two years of chairmanship, I hand over the baton to Michael Kavanagh on November 7 when guest speaker Geoff Sansome will explain his 42 years of working with farmers all over the world – if you can’t get out to travel the world, others will gladly bring the world to you, through their stories of agricultural exploration. New members are always welcome.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shropshire Farming Talk: Health & Safety in new farming arrangementsAt a time of year when the occupation, management and operation of farms frequently change hands, it is important to ensure that relevant health and safety responsibilities are satisfied.
Read more »
Shropshire Farming Talk: A shift brings challenges, particularly for foot healthAs winter approaches, housing cattle indoors is necessary due to the decline in grass quality, which no longer provides sufficient nutrients.
Read more »
Shropshire Farming Talk: Pin point high cell count to avoid penaltiesTesting milk samples from dairy cows helps pinpoint the high cell count cows in the herd to avoid milk buyer penalties.
Read more »
Shropshire Farming Talk: Work of rural property professionals is hugely importantThe work of rural property professionals is hugely important across our region – and the land management sector is always on the lookout for fresh talent.
Read more »
Shropshire Farming Talk: Investing in your Youngstock EnvironmentWhile there are various housing options for calves, all must be tailored to the needs of the animal, with the goal of maximising performance, optimising health, and adhering to welfare standards.
Read more »
Shropshire Farming Talk: Insuring your farm enterpriseAcross the UK, 34 per cent of farmers now run diversified businesses.
Read more »