What a cold, dry spring we’re having again! 2023 & 2024 springs were very wet and 2025 & 2026 very dry. It makes it very difficult to plan ahead, with grass growth stunted from the usual spring flush that we can usually expect!
The cows are out and we have had our first calf – a little early but all good with mum and calf. She is a little red Angus heifer – rather pretty, we think.
We are now in full production of our new season pastured chicken. We have 2 batches out on pasture already, with a new batch of chicks coming into the brooder today. Our fresh soy-free chicken will be available again from mid May – I will keep you posted here.
Exciting Arrivals! We took delivery of some new cattle earlier this month – they are 7 pedigree black Aberdeen Angus heifers(young cows) and a pedigree red Aberdeen Angus bull called Lionel. The heifers also have names – we have Erica, Ellie, Eliza, Prime, Danny, Jenny & Pinky Perfect! The girls are all expecting their first calf in the next month. The reason for this purchase is to bring some smaller framed cows into the herd which are better suited to growing on grass alone. Their pedigree status is a bonus and could also give us another income stream in pedigree breeding stock sales. We have to keep our options open in an ever changing world!
Pig Naming Competition The winner of our pig naming competition will be announced on Saturday, 2nd May. We have some new pigs that need names so when you visit the barn, go and see them and give us your ideas. There’s 3 pigs that need names – one sow, a young gilt(first time mum) and a young boar – all are British Saddlebacks. Go to our Facebook or Instagram page and leave your answers in the comments. Like and share the post for the chance to win a packet of sausages and a guided tour to feed the pigs with us. We’ve already had some great suggestions! Farm Shop & Farmers Market News Saturday, 2nd May, as well as the farm shop being open, Ceramic Fitch and Batts Hill Distillery have their doors open. Nigel will be cooking brisket on the smoker as well as bacon, sausages and burgers. The barn will be open with a few pigs still in doors – all the cows are now out and we are steadily getting groups of pigs out. The expectant mama cows are hust up the filed from the shop and you will be most welcome to take a wander up there to see them.
Our hens are laying spectacularly well at present and there is no limit on how many eggs that you can purchase at a time. If you would like more than one tray, it is still best to let us know in advance – email orders@brightleighfarm.co.uk
Dates For Your Diary
- 2nd May – Ceramic Fitch & Batts Hill Distillery Open
- 9th May – Ripley & Wallington Farmers’ Markets
- 10th May – Lingfield Farmers’ Market
Hope to see you soon,
Penny