The very hot weather continues and it’s giving us a lot of extra work and cost just trying to keep all the animals as comfortable as possible, making sure that they have access to shade and water throughout the day. The cattle, in particular, drink gallons of water in this heat, which is all from the mains – our water is metered so we are expecting a rather large water bill soon!
We have noticed that the black-coated cattle cope less well with the heat than the red-coated ones, particularly Malcolm, our Black Angus bull. It’s just as well that our new young bull, Lionel is a Red Angus and he seems to be coping quite well. Our plan is to select for more red-coated animals in the future(photos from when we had green grass!) as there is no difference in how they cope in colder, wetter weather but obvious benefits in hot, sunny weather.
The weather forecasters keep promising rain – in fact, next week was looking quite wet a few days ago but on checking the forecast this morning, much of the rain has disappeared. Feeding the hay now that we had in store for winter is particularly worrying as it’s putting our costs up massively. Grazing grass in the fields is the lowest cost way of feeding our cattle but as the cattle are motoring through what little grass we have left, we started feeding hay to eke it out. We are praying that we get enough rain soon to grow enough grass to see us through the winter. It’s a very worrying time.
Farm Walks We have 2 farm walk dates coming up – 23rd August and 20th September. Meet at the farm shop at 10am with the walk starting at 10.30. The walk will last about 90 minutes and will be over uneven ground so please bring suitable footwear. Nigel and Penny will show you around the farm, stopping at the chickens, pigs and cows and talking about how we farm and how it is different from most other farms. Learn about farming with nature using regenerative methods to produce great-tasting, nutrient-dense food. This will be followed by an optional BBQ. It is £5 per head with under 16s free, pay by cash or card on arrival. Food and drink is extra.
The Outwood Farm Sauna Our log-fired sauna and cold water dip is proving popular. We are now offering sauna sessions on the following dates -:
- 14th August at 5 & 6pm
- 16th August at 3, 4 & 5pm
- 17th August at 5, 6 & 7pm
- 19th August at 5, 6 & 7pm
- 21st August at 5, 6 & 7pm
Cowshed Curry Postponed Unfortunately, we have had to postpone this event. We had a lot of interest but many people couldn’t make this date. We are looking to reschedule it in September. Watch this space!
We will be serving curry in the cowshed! This is a collaboration with Ruchita Earlswood. Enjoy a relaxed evening in the unusual setting of a cowshed. A choice of Chicken Masala, Beef Kitchen Porter or Beef Balti, all made by the chefs at Ruchita with Brightleigh Farm produce. A vegetarian option is available on request. The meal comes with rice, naan, poppadoms and onion bhajis with ice cream for dessert and a soft drink. There will be a pay bar available. £25 per head.
Dates For Your Diary
- 23rd August – Farm Walk
- 12th September – Ripley & Wallington Farmers’ Markets
- 20th September – Farm Walk
Stay cool,
Hope to see you soon,
Penny