Deepest Dorset » Life on the Farm

Maize Silaging at Stour Cross Farm

admin — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:58:28 +0000

Robert, aged 8, standing amongst the maize before it is harvested

October 5th 2010

Having been advised by a maize specialist that the maize needed another week before cutting, our attentions turned to the weather forecast for the next few days. No rain……please!! Sadly it did rain but thankfully brightened up just a day or two before the contractor were due to arrive. It was a poor crop this year because there was little moisture for the maize to grow. Martin had to buy in more maize to compensate for the inadequate quantity this year. The last two years have produced some excellent maize forage but that was all down to the wet summers we had. This year, completely different, but from my point of view I was so pleased for my holiday guests that they could enjoy their weeks full of sunshine. Unfortunately one industry suffers whilst another gains.

The maize should be twice the height of my 8 year old son Robert seen in the photo.

The contractor came with no less than six tractor drivers and trailers as the maize needed to be hauled from several miles away.

One of the tractor drivers following the forage harvester around the headland

Tractors and trailers ready and waiting

Click on the youtube link below to view some of the maize silaging.

The video lasts approx 8 mins. There are a few wobbly bits but Martin was driving at the time!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zK6pBe925Y

Cow Calving at Stour Cross Farm

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:30:57 +0000

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to video one of our mature cows calving her second twin calf. The first one was born only minutes before but unfortunately I missed the delivery. The calf was up on its feet shortly afterwards and I was mistaken to think that the calf belonged to the white cow you see in the video as the calf is of similar markings but it was later made obvious that it was the first of the twins. These are our fourth set of twins this year and all of them are doing fine.

Click on the video link below and watch the wonders of nature. The video is about 8 mins long.

The second twin calf being born

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLgeMcDoKNU

Twins Born

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:20:51 +0000

Martin decided to bring a cow, who was close to calving, into an empty barn as he thought she was having problems. We left her for an hour and then intervened with the help of a calving aid. Two male calves were born, our third set of twins this year.

Calf # 1 Aug 8th 2010

Calf # 2 The mother immediately licks one calf at a time

The mother immediately licks one calf at a time

Introducing the calves to the bottle

An empty wine bottle always comes in handy!

The mother has been taken away to be milked and her milk is saved in a separate vessel. It is vital all calves drink their mothers first milk called colostrum which contains all its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. This is where I come in!!!

It doesn’t take long before the calves are up on their feet and gurzling the milk. I find a empty wine bottle with a rubber calf teat on the end does the trick. Tomorrow they will be moved in another barn where some other calves are being hand reared.

The smallest of the twins born taking her afternoon milk.

August 26th and the twins are growing. The photo above shows the smallest of the two taking her afternoon milk along with her brother and three other calves. She is still quite small but stands her ground when it comes to feeding time.

Barn is Gutted at Stour Cross Farm

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:45:53 +0000

Right side of barn showing mini slew with pecker to break up concrete

: Left side of barn. Cubicles down left are intact

Our main wooden cow barn at Stour Cross Farm, which is nearly 30 years old, is now being revamped. The cubicle’s have been dismantled and the base that the cows lie on has gone.

Middle section of barn

The reason for this facelift is that Martin had bought a tractor that won’t fit down the aisle’s of the cubicles so major adjustments were needed. Four lines of cubicles had to be dismantled and moved over by a couple of feet. Concrete and chalk were pecked out and the wooden dividers kept to one side.

Once all lines have been removed the work will begin to make the bases again.

Silaging

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:22:59 +0000

A tense week whilst attentions are fixed on all weather forcasts. Needing just a few days of warm sunshine the decision was made. Everything in farming hinges on the right weather conditions whether rain is needed to make the grass grow or sun to make the winter feed. No wonder farmers are always moaning about the weather.

Our first cut of silage went really well, no stressy husband, punctual workforce and the sun shone. It was glorious.

Silaging

All hands and Machinery put to work!!

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:47:16 +0000

Last weekend was very busy. Taking advantage of this glorious weather before it changed to Bank Holiday rain Martin and my eldest son Matthew were busy ploughing and rotavating fields ready for the planting of Maize. This if you’re unfamiliar with the plant is winter feed for the cows. I’ll update you later in the year with it’s progress.

Spring has Arrived

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:30:39 +0000

Spring is finally here although the daffodils can be excused for their late arrival. Easter gave us a mixture of sunshine and chilly weather and Martin and I were patiently waiting for the day when the cows would be peering over the gate. They smell Spring and the grass that has turned from a short browny colour to lush green. The fields are still wet in places but mostly dry enough for the herd. So today’s the day, at last, Spring is here. One special day for me in the year when I witness mass excitement and freedom. All 140 girls charge out of the yard onto soft ground – what a sight. The jumping, galloping, snorting, bellowing and head butting make for a wonderful sight. I never tire of this annual sight.

A day worth the wait