13 minute read
Farming
Still standing after a stormy weekend
Storm Eunice battered us on the farm. The fence at the farm shop blew down, which was a shock as it’s only a post and rail, and you would have thought the wind would have blown through! We have several minor damages, gutters blown over a barn roof, the dogs’ kennel roof off and many odd bits of other roofs taking damage. Nothing too bad, but it will take time and money to put right. However, we did have trees and branches down, one taking out the electric supply. We have generators to enable the milking and cooling to continue, so the farm and farmhouse was covered. We also have a small mobile generator which is used around the farm for welding and repair works, much better than trying to use extension leads. This one we used to top up our and some family freezers, as the electric was off for three days. How nice it was when it was reconnected! What a lesson to realise how much we all rely on it. Our cattle are all housed during the winter months to protect the land and pasture from treading, and as the grass has almost stopped growing, there is nothing for them to eat. They are happy for us to present them with the grass and maize we made into silage for them back in the summer. They are very cosy in the barns and have freedom to wander in and out of the barns taking a nap when they choose or going to the feed area and having a snack. One of our old farming pals has died, Mr Edward Lessey, his daughter Wendy works with us at the farm shop, we send them our condolences. Another farming character Neville George, of AE George and Sons has also died, he would be seen wearing his trilby or straw hat around the local markets and farm sales with their lorries transporting animals. He had a quiet professional way with him, the animals in his care seemed to know he was a safe pair of hands and cooperated with his directions, therefore saving animals stress and concern. His love of animals and wildlife was spoken of at his funeral, his habit of always carrying some corn to scatter for the wild birds in his lorry cab! The church at South Brewham was packed and people had to stand outside, a sure testimony of how much he was loved and regarded by the farming and countryside community. Neville was born and died in the family home, and was a wonderful example of a life well lived, he loved his
Farmer’s Diary by Ruth Kimber
work and was much respected by the whole community. Our condolences go to his wife Angela, family and friends.
Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers & The Somerset Trading Barn Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD www. kimbersfarmshop. co.uk
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Farming
Dispersal sale of high quality contracting machinery draws widespread interest
It seemed that the world and his wife descended on a field in Dorset when Symonds & Sampson held their first on farm dispersal sale of 2022 and for those who were unable to attend, the website was brimming with online bidders. The firm were dispersing tractors and farm machinery for a very highly regarded contracting business MP Bennett and Son who are changing policy and, based on the average price per lot, it was one of the largest sales held in the country in recent times. Greg Ridout a partner at Symonds & Sampson said: “The quality of the kit was first class and buyers were drawn from all parts of the UK including Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Bidders from the eurozone also purchased, with 26 per cent of the lots sold via our online sale platform. “Our clients should be congratulated for the presentation of the lots which were commented on by many purchasers”. Notable prices achieved included: l 2020 John Deere 6130R tractor £80,300 l 2011 John Deere 7450 forager £73,100 l 2018 Vaderstad Tempo F8
Maize Drill £49,800 l 2019 McHale Fusion 3
Plus Baler £46,100 l 2014 John Deere 6170R (13,000hrs) £42,000 l 2013 Krone Big Pack 1290XC £40,900 The sale brought with it a wide range of items introduced by kind permission with the top prices being: l 2018 Valtra T234 Versu £65,300 l 2018 Case Puma 165 £59,800 l 2019 Valtra T174 Direct £53,000 l 2016 New Holland
T7.210 £50,700 l 2015 New Holland
T7.210 £30,300 l 2001 John Deere 6750 £21,700 Symonds & Sampson hold sales of livestock, machinery, vehicles and equipment across the south of England, in person and online. For details of upcoming sales, recent results and enquiries, please visit https://www. symondsandsampson.co.uk/ auctions/agricultural-sales or call Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Paul Heard 07800 913637.
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Farming
Symonds & Sampson strengthen North Dorset Offices
Symonds & Sampson are delighted to welcome two new members of staff to the Sturminster Newton and Blandford Residential Sales departments. Welcoming Imogen Judd as a Sales Negotiator in the Blandford office, Partner Giles Wreford-Brown says “Imogen grew up in and attended school in Dorset before working in London for 6 years, primarily in retail. She has endless enthusiasm and has already made a good impression with clients, as well as having already established a very creditable sales record”. Experienced Estate Agent William Tremlett joins the Sturminster Newton office having worked in the Belgravia for the last 25 years. Will’s wife is originally from Dorset, and the family recently relocated to a village near Gillingham. “A deep rooted knowledge of the property industry has seen Will hit the ground running, securing several instructions in his first few weeks with the firm including town houses, bungalows and cottages”. “Imogen and Will join established teams in already successful residential agency offices, and will both be tremendous assets to the firm for many years to come, helping to ensure our position as leading Estate Agents in the area”. Symonds & Sampson continue to report strong demand from buyers looking to move to and within the area, and a shortage of property to meet this demand. Therefore if you are considering selling in 2022, please do contact Sturminster Newton on 01258 473766, Blandford on 01258 452670 or your nearest office. Imogen
WEDNESDAY 9th MARCH Next Sale of Pigs FUTURE DAIRY SALES !!!!!! WEDNESDAY 9TH MARCH 110 Dairy Young Stock 17 x 0-3mo 47 x 6-12mo 27 x 12-18mo 12 x 18-30mo Plus 7 Freshly Calved Cows On Line Bidding & Livestreaming Available
WEDNESDAY 30TH MARCH
Provisional Sale of 150 Holstein Friesian Cows
WEDNESDAY 16th MARCH Next Sale of Reared Calves EVERY FRIDAY
Sale of Store Cattle FRIDAY ORGANIC SALE DATE
Friday 25th March
PEDIGREE BULL SALE
Wednesday 13th April
Entries being accepted
Please Contact Nick Hill 01373 830 033 Tom Rogers 07384 462 288 Mark Ferrett 07702 264 502
Market Office 01373 830033 FROME MARKET SPRING STIRK FAIR Wednesday 27th April Show & Sale PLEASE CONTACT Auctioneer-
Charlie Coleman 07494 588 013 SALE RESULTS
WEDNESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY Prime Cattle to 229.50p/kg & £1644.75
Cull Cows to 185.50p/kg & £1326.33
Prime Lambs to 295p/kg & £152 Store Lambs to £98.50 Cull Ewes to £165 Calves to £340 Pigs to £124 Dairy to £2000 FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY
Blonde x Steer 19mo to £1460
Angus x Steer 19mo to £1330
Hereford x Steer 25mo to £1225
Blonde x Heifer 20mo to £1340
Charolais x Heifer 28mo to £1330 British Blue x Heifer 24mo to £1320 NOW OPEN “MARKET TABLE”
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Having covered prelambing last week, we now move onto part two as promised, and some tips for lambing itself. I think the key to feeling prepared is familiarising yourself with what is normal, so when things do not go to plan it is easily recognised and you can be confident of when to intervene. To achieve a normal onset of labour there are a series of complex hormonal sequences that must occur. This pathway is triggered by the production of cortisol from the healthy foetus itself. This hormone is detected within the placenta, and a shift in the dominant hormones, from progesterone to oestrogen, occurs. The rise in oestrogen stimulates the release of prostaglandin, and oxytocin, which are required for cervical dilation, uterine contractions and milk let down. As well as preparing the body physically for delivery, the oestrogen also initiates behavioural changes. So, whilst a lot, is occurring internally, we are still able to monitor the progress of this process externally by observation of these signs. During the first stage of labour the ewe will separate from the group, they appear restless, get up and down, paw at the ground, circle, vocalise, lie down and look up in a “star gazing” position. You will observe mild abdominal contractions which should lead to the presentation of the water bag. As labour progresses to the second stage, the ewe lies down, and will strain with stronger abdominal contractions, which should lead to the delivery of the lamb. Assistance may be required in the following instances; if a lamb has not been delivered after an hour of the water bag presentation (or two for a ewe lamb); if straining is unproductive for more than 30 minutes; if contractions cease; if part of a lamb is out but the ewe stops pushing; or, if there has been more than 20 minutes between each delivery. A lamb will be delivered forward with the head and forelimbs coming together, or backwards, if both hindlimbs are presented feet first. If this is not the case, then assistance will be required to correct the position of the lamb into these presentations. You can do this by performing a vaginal examination, using clean gloves and plenty of lubrication. First check for complete cervical dilation. Then methodically feel your way to identify the body parts of the lamb or lambs. If coming together one lamb will need to be pushed back. Identify legs by moving the two joints you can feel, the fetlock and knee joint will bend in the same direction if forelimbs, whereas the fetlock and hock joint bend in opposite directions on the hindlimb. If you can find front legs but no head, it
By Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health
is likely to be twisted back so run you hand up the leg towards the shoulder and follow the neck round to find the location of the head. The use of a snare, secured behind the ears can help to stop the head from flopping back. If you have a leg back guide the leg into the extended foot first position, by cupping the foot, unfold the leg by moving the joints. If progress is not achieved within 10 minutes, then please call your vet for more guidance. At no point should immense force be applied. And only attempt delivery if you can comfortably keep your hand between the lamb and the ewe. If the delivery occurs naturally only intervene if the membranes are over the lamb’s face, to avoid suffocation. This is more common if the ewe gave birth lying down. The third stage of labour concludes the process with the delivery of the placenta. This should happen within a few hours of birth. If the placenta is retained check for another lamb and consult your vet as treatment may be required. We will always be at the end of the phone on 01258 472314 if you have any questions or need help.
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Farming
The long-term value of hedge-laying
Terry Coombes, a past national hedge-Laying champion, with billhook and chain-saw, competing at the recent Blackmore & Sparkford vale hunt hedge-laying competition
By Peter FitzGerald
The Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt’s 25th annual Hedge-laying Competition took place at Manor Farm, Milborne Wick on Sunday February 13. It rained all day and the wind blew but 40 brave souls worked most of the day and laid nearly 300 yards of hedge. They turned an over-grown and partly thin and straggly hedge in to a compact hedge which will be stock-proof after a year’s protection and a wildlife corridor for birds and mammals for many years to come. Hedge-laying as a skill is more than 2,000 years old and different districts have distinctive styles. The local South Somerset, Devon and Dorset style involves cutting young trees and shrubs immediately above the ground and bending them at a low angle so that the sap still rises and they still live. These laid trunks are called plashers and can be laid parallel so as to achieve a thick, and quite broad hedge which will be stock-proof for many years. A hedge that is not laid will become thin at the bottom and will ultimately become a row of detached trees. Laying is strongly supported by DEFRA and by Natural England. We believe we are the only competition that provides professionals to train the novice competitors as they go along. Entry is free so that as many people as possible come and learn. The long-term benefits are very important environmentally.
Urgently wanted COWS COWS COWS
To receive top price for all barren cows. Brookfield Livestock Marketing Limited. Payment on the day of purchase. Haulage arranged 07811 381 159
Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire
Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314
PIGS - WEANERS available from mid March. £35. 07980-886397
GOOD SMALL BALE meadow hay £3.50 per bale buyer collect Tel 01747 870304
30 PLUS ROUND BALE SILAGE, not spiked. £15 each 01258 820062
ROUND BALE SILAGE for sale Milborne Port Tel 07811 594029
PART TIME MILKER REQUIRED between Blandford & Dorchester. Days negotiable. Call 07765-050609
MUCK AWAY SERVICES, Site clearances, Digger & Driver hire, Tractor & Dump Trailer 07711 980871
GRAZING WANTED 10 MILE RADIUS OF TISBURY PLEASE CALL 07786261967
ASSISTANT HERDSMAN AUTUMN BLOCK CALVING. Fantastic opportunity for a person with experience to progress, modern set up in a beautiful location in mid Dorset. Brand new 3 bed house on site. email your CV, and for full details. armswellfarm@sky.com
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