What's New at the Farm this Autumn?

Farmautumn1

Autumn is here and it’s a very busy time on the farm, planning for all the new life we want to bring forth next Spring! And of course tending to our Pumpkin Patch ready for pumpkin picking and Halloween.

Equines

The donkeys and horses have all had their feet trimmed this week by our lovely farrier, John. This happens every 6-8 weeks in order to keep their hooves healthy and in the correct shape. Some of them are better behaved than others… Huw and Friar (the boys) are the classic divas whereas the girls take it all with a pinch of salt! Sensation has been hacking out and being schooled two or three times a week to try and keep her in shape. It has been lovely riding her out on her own as it’s a really bonding experience and good for her confidence to come away from the others.

Pigs

Susie is due her litter of piglets during October half term which we are looking forward to. We are trying to get Lola, our young Large White, pregnant but it’s not happened yet so fingers crossed for this next month. Pigs cycle every 21 days. Skye and Martha have just been weaned and we think Bonnie may be pregnant for Christmas time! We are picking up a new arrival this week for the piggery – a lovely Oxford Sandy and Black gilt from Cotswolds Farm Park!! Make sure to come down and meet her while she’s little.

Sheep

The rams, Samson, Paul and Abraham, have had their MOT ready for going in with the ewes in November. The ewes have all been sorted through and we have decided who will run with the rams this year ready for lambing end of march.

Cows

We had 5 lovely calves over the summer and now the bull is back and in with the cows ready for calving next year. We had hoped to implant some Native Jersey embryos into our dairy herd as part of British Breeds Revival Trust project but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out… maybe next year! Success rate for embryo transfer is only 40% so it’s not easy. We think the very hot, dry summer has had an effect on the livestock as grass growth was poor and they were under a lot of heat stress. Farming is tough at times and we have to be adaptable and try new things as the climate changes, we are always learning!

Goats

We want more Golden Guernsey goat kids next year as they are so adorable. The billy will come in January for kidding May/June time. You can never have enough cheeky goats in your life!

Poultry

The hatchery is now closed following a successful summer. We don’t like chicks too late in the year as they struggle to thrive once the weather drops cold. The hens haven’t got the memo though… one of them turned up with 11 newly hatched chicks in tow just the other day!

Please check out the events section of the website for more info on our Pumpkin Picking, October half term and Father Christmas at The Farm events.