Farmer George's Diary: May, From Failed Crops to Flying Starts
Coppet Hill's Monthly Blog
So, the spring continued! It has been very pleasant; I gather that by mid-May we had had as much sunshine as the whole of last year. Of course, there has to be a sting in the tail; it is very dry. The rolling average rainfall has gone down from 54 inches in September last year to 35 inches by the end of May. In May we had less than 1 inch – 20mm only
The dry weather brought us relief from slug attack but not from all pests. Our sunflowers were ravaged by leatherjackets (the grub stage of ‘daddy-long-legs (or crane flies)). In fairness, I think we drilled with too low a seed rate. The combined effect was a failed crop. So we power harrowed the field and redrilled on 8th May. The next day we had some of the only rain of the month which got them off to a flying start, beat the pests but made them susceptible to pigeons! Gary sorted that with the most scary scare-crow ever! They were up by 16th!
Our one field of winter wheat is looking really good. Ben, our agronomist, was well pleased when he inspected it; there was little disease, and the crop development was good.
As many people will know, growing wild flowers is a dark art! Every year is different depending on weather, soil and how they are sown. At last, we can report good success with our pollen and nectar mix; it is an amazing amalgam of oxeye daisy, clovers and knap weed along with grasses and a fair number of thistles. It does look wonderful and should be benefiting the insect life.
Not all our fields have been so successful – but we are getting there. We have three fields into what is called ‘arable reversion’. This means changing from arable or intensive grassland into growing more legumes and herbs. If docks are a herb – we have success! Luckily over time, the sheep will get on top of them. In the meantime, we are trying to keep them mowed down. In doing so, I suddenly realised that a skylark was nesting in it, so pulled out and left it for later.
Whilst on ‘wildlife’, we had an interesting visit last week. Hi-line came to give a serious haircut to one of our lovely oak trees which has the misfortune to be too close to a major power line. I totally get that they have to do this: if we want to turn on lights and run domestic appliances, then we have to accept some compromises – it is just rather sad when it affects an oak. The guys were very careful and brought a tree consultant to do the best they could to help the tree which was wonderful. After discussing with me, they then set about a close inspection for nesting birds. After about an hour they stopped and withdrew – they have discovered a tawny owl nest in the trunk – how exciting is that? We know we have them but always fail to find their nests. It will now be left alone for the season.
As trailed last month, we had a very successful VE commemoration and beacon on Coppet Hill. There was a barbeque in the barn and then we walked (some rode) up the hill to enjoy a toast in memory of those who fought in the war and then lit our beacon (I love a good fire!).
For those that live in Broadoak, the third Sunday in May is when we celebrate Rogation. It is when we ask for God’s blessing on the crops and thank him for the wonderful environment in which we are so lucky to live. We used our new people trailer to take the congregation from village green to garden to pasture to arable crop and so on.
At the end of the month, our camping gets going; summer half term is almost the busiest week of the year and we have been at capacity most days. The weather has been (almost) perfect for our guests who have enjoyed their stays
We have a big event coming up - Open Farm Sunday on 8th June THIS SUNDAY. This is will be the third year we will have run it with the Marshwood Vale Farmers’ Cluster and the Melplash Agricultural Society. It will be held at Home Farm, Sadborow, Thorncombe TA20 4PW. Do join us for the full day of farming activities on this leading organic dairy farm.
We have put up posters to promote it and even our hosts’ (Tom and Sophie Gregory) cows are interested!
Do come and enjoy the day and bring your friends along as well. It will be well signed from Bettiscombe and Broadwindsor. See you there.
