Swerford

I was expecting a black Fresian calf, but apparently there was a mistake with the insemination. So when I saw this beautiful little white calf with a black nose and black inside its ears trotting along beside its mother,I just couldn't believe my eyes.Right from the start she was something special.Although I'm not certain what breed she was, her markings were those of a British White.

Image 2 for Farmer Tustians report of the year at Ash Hill

Stock amongst the buttercups at Ash Hill

Sally had her first calf in 1998 and entered the dairy herd and produced large quantities of quality milk until dairying ceased in 2003. The cows were then used for suckling their own calves and Sally played an important part in this new venture, sometimes suckling a foster calf as well. Her calves were always of good quality.

Sally leaves two daughters and two grandsons, one being just over a month old. He is white with sandy ears and can be seen with his mother in the field.

Other farm news:

Last year's haymaking was mixed, with yields being well down because of the drought. One of the fields due for cutting just burnt up and wasn't worth bringing in and I ended up putting the cattle into it. Only 1,600 bales were produced, which is only half the usual quantity.

Lamb prices have been very good, due partly to the strength of the euro and a smaller national flock.

Grain prices have also been good due to droughts, floods and increased demand, although I think any increase in production could soon see prices tumbling back down.

It has been very difficult for farming sectors that use large quantities of grain such as pigs, poultry, dairy and beef.