Farming in the New Year

On a farm something always needs doing.  Over the last few months, during the dark cold days of winter, there was livestock to feed and an opportunity to undertake maintenance work.  Also there’s been time to get up to date with new farming trends by attending shows such as LAMMA where the latest equipment was on show.  Now however with longer days, improving weather and plants again showing signs of growth there are many other things to do.  For many farmers the next few months will be a busy time. 

On livestock farms calving and lambing gets under way.  Lambing needs monitoring both day and night meaning anyone involved can expect many sleepless nights until it is over.  The improving weather also makes it possible to get back on to the fields.  Spreading the slurry stored over winter can begin, to boost growth of grass to ensure there’s a good crop to later cut for hay and silage artificial fertiliser applied.

Other fieldwork also needs to get underway.  Fertiliser and sprays need applying to the crops planted last autumn.  Also land must be prepared for drilling and planting crops such as spring cereals, sugar beet, maize and potatoes.

Off farm and for carpet farmers spring also sees this year’s first dedicated farm model tractor show taking place.  Held at the Springfield Conference Centre, Spalding on 2nd April it is UK’s longest running farm model show.