Bog Myrtle & Peat

I had some fine calves this year, and all but a few of them were heifers. That’s encouraging, because next year I hope to have access to some extra grazing land. I’ll have space to keep more breeding stock for longer, which in turn should slacken off the bottleneck which comes each year in October when I’m suddenly desperate to sell off surplus mouths and slim down for winter. I’ll be more in control of my system than ever before, and while the extra space could theoretically allow for a doubling of my current stock, I’ll only keep a few more to be sure that it’s grazed lightly and for longer each year.

I flagged up a special heifer on this blog when she was born in May, and she’s remained the apple of my eye all summer. She hit the ground at precisely the right moment, and in terms of progress and development, she’s never looked back. I love her mottled colouring, and she also has a very steady, forthright disposition which allows her not only to lead her weaker-minded siblings, but also to take direction on the most sensible course of action.

Under normal circumstances, I’d have to sell this heifer at the end of next summer, but with a new bull from a fresh line and more room to keep good animals like this, I’m looking forward to keeping hold of her for the future.

Picture: A 2022 riggit calf out of Craig Tansy by Stonehouse Godwit.