Current Weather at Strickley

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Silage 2016

Well, this is the first year we will be "going it alone" all season. Last year we took the brave/foolhardy/wise decision to invest in a Forage Wagon, and not rely on a contractor. We didn't have it for first cut (and the scheduling difficulties then partly made our minds up). You can read all about it here .

But this year not only do have the mighty machine (and a shiny new tractor), but a big new silage pit!
On Sunday evening James headed out with the (same old) mower and Henry gave the pit a final sweep. It looked very empty.


As ever we started cutting in the Teapot Field, so it was handy for the photographer.


I don't venture far into the field, so you can't really see how much grass there is. A lot apparently. But our Man in the Field took this.



James finished mowing about 10.30 pm, and next morning Henry started scaling.


Late afternoon there was a loud beep from a tractor horn - a signal that I was to rush to the usual spot and take a photo of "rowing up".



And this year there is no waiting for the contractor, so James wasn't far behind  . . .


. . . .putting the first grass in the new pit.


But it didn't all go according to plan; despite the BBC Weather Forecast and our seaweed promising a fine evening, we were struck by a heavy localised shower, So it was a relatively early night.

Things are almost going to plan today (a slight two hour stoppage re a broken link), but grass continues to come in.


Then it's back for more . . .


Don't forget - you can watch an action packed video from last year

Friday 20 May 2016

Otters

When we were working on the bridge repairs we put in an otter holt. And we have footprints!


And they are leaving us messages (spraint)


We've got the wildlife camera setup, but so far have not captured anything as good as this (from a couple of years ago).



A


Sunday 8 May 2016

Summer is edging nearer

On Friday night (6th) the cows went back outside after milking, and looking at the forecast (and the grass) a lot of young stock will be going out this week.