Field And Stream

New Blackmore Vale, August 6, 2021 Field & Stream Wonkey-eye ram has really found his feet now

THE FIELD

with Tria Stebbing

Well, we did it. The thermometer was just shy of 30 degrees and the sun was relentless, against the odds we cut, turned and baled the summer grazing paddocks. The new baler was magnificent for about 100 bales before it decided to regress and spit out randomly cut bale twine and untied bales. It was late in the day, we were hot, dusty and tired and looking back it is probably the best thing that happened. We literally left everything where it was and headed to the village pub. In the morning we consulted the local baler expert Graham, who after tweaking this and that, and shooing dust and grit out of the machinery, said that we were good to go…..again. Another day baling in perfect conditions, the only problem being manpower, every man and his dog all seemed to be baling at the same time. We spent the next couple of evenings loading on to the bale trailers and hauling them to various barns, the paddocks still had some long unreachable grass around the edges, so we put the flock out to tidy up and enjoy the few bales that had broken beyond repair. Pure magic to see the ewes running to get to the new field, forgetting that they are mature ladies and running like they are lithe young lambs. We have a lull now to get our own field ready to cut. A much easier job as the machinery is all there and so is the barn in which we will put it. The grass looks good and has clearly benefitted from the sheep grazing it over winter. Clearly though we are still fighting a losing battle against the thistles. As we are due to cut and feed it to the sheep, we cannot use chemicals so either I pull them by hand or try the oldfashioned vinegar trick. Ideally if you spray the thistles in sunlight the acetic acid in the vinegar will speed the burn. The old saying goes: “Cut them in May and you’ve wasted a day, cut them in June and you’ve done it too soon, but cut them in July and they will surely die.” It is a bit of a shame as they attract a host of butterflies and other insects, but they are quick to establish themselves and choke a field. The ram lambs are still enjoying their holidays in the next village, along with the one ewe lamb that is left. The castrated ram seems to have constant issues with his feet. This week we are trying blue foot spray, the paddock is not boggy and the other boys are fine, its his own unique feature along with his wonky eye. It is good to be different. The ewes have now dried up and the one remaining ewe lamb Jackie Rose will be taken back to the main flock at the end of the week. Not a day too soon as the ram lambs have become very knowledgeable about their main purpose in life.

Bream come true for Ajay

Ajay Peay caught a 6.10lb bream on the 27/7/2021 at 18:54 at Fiddleford, a stretch of river owned by The Sturminster and Hinton Angling Association. He said: “The length was 22 inches. It was the only fish of the day and I caught it on my new feeder rod using a hair-rig and pellets, so it was a nice surprise.”

ANGLING

Sturminster & Hinton Angling The third Summer Points Match was held on Sunday July 25 on the Upper Stour at Colber Farm.

BEEHIVE WITH BEES This years Queen . £200 07580510021 Despite what appeared to be ideal conditions, still and overcast, the fishing was very hard and the majority could only find very small fish. Just about every hook bait combination was tried but nothing seemed to work better than another. The match was very tight at the top with Bill Hanson taking the winning weight of 6lbs 4ozs of roach and perch on pinkie and worm, Paul Wilding was second with 6lbs 2ozs of similar fish caught on a variety of baits although a beautiful 10ozs Rudd was the pick of his day. Paul Newton was third by just one ounce. Roach and perch were again caught by varying the offerings. The top section was won by John Cattell with 3lbs 12ozs. Section 2 by Des Shipp with 4lbs 6ozs and the end Section by Jeff Sibley with 4lbs 12ozs. The next match will be Sunday, August 8, venue still to be fixed but will be on the website as soon as it is known (s-haa.com).