THIS month we have been busy getting stock ready for the sales.

It is the time of year we try to make a bit of money that has to last us throughout the year.

You may hear about some high-priced sheep but realistically 99.9 per cent make a normal average.

So, you may think that we farmers must be rich - believe you me it is not the case.

The soaring price of animal feeds, hay and straw and the rocketing price of fuel takes most of the money we might make.

For example, our store cattle sales average was up £120 a head on last year which takes us back roughly to the prices we were getting five years ago.

Unfortunately the price of rearing them is the same as today’s price.

We get by, and we love what we do, but please don’t be led astray by the odd high price.

This Saturday is the Rough Fell ram sales at Kendal Auction Mart.

It’s the only sale for the Rough Fell tups so tensions are running high.

We have one chance to get the boys looking their best.

So I’m off to help my husband Brian get them ready.