We have had the longest day of the year, which seems to be passing very quickly even though we have not had much warm weather. Despite the lack of heat livestock seems to be growing and doing well.

Sheep clipping is ongoing at the moment. That has to be done in dry weather as the job is done outdoors-damp fleeces are no good. Paul and David have decided to ‘retire’ from doing it themselves and have called in a contractor-just as well as the weather has been very hot! It is quite amusing to see lambs looking for Mum. Without her wool she is not recognisable and they have to rely on voice-so it gets very noisy.

Silage was got well, in sunshine and will make good winter feed. We will also make some hay when weather allows.

We are now marketing our lamb crop. As expected prices are at least £20 a head less than last year with no prospect of any improvement in the near future due to the various international factors mentioned last month. It does make cash flow and balancing the books difficult-you can only sell things once-when they are ready. When I am told we need to be better businessmen I get very cross, with so many factors out of our control.

Our three bulls have been turned out and will be with their cows for nine weeks so that we have a tight calving season next year. It is hectic at the time but all the youngsters grow up together. Pick Your Own fruit is at last in full swing, at least two weeks later than usual.

I do hope this showery weather does not last long-it sends people scurrying for their cars. It’s lovely to see people coming out smiling with a basket of big juicy strawberries and ask when the next variety of fruit will be ready. I do like to see families all picking so that youngsters learn where their food comes from.

Gordon Capstick

Milnthorpe