by Ruth Kimber.

The turkeys are growing well and have enjoyed the pastures – however, we are really worried about bird flu and have increased our bio-security. The closest case is only 20 miles away, so vigilance is key.
We can only do our best and pray our flock will keep safe.
We have been busy on the farm preparing for winter – most of the cattle will live in the farm barns during the winter months. The cows pretty much tell us when they don’t want to go into the fields any more this season! They linger around the gateways and along the track which leads to the pastures. The quality and taste of the grass this time of year has fallen. The grass becomes wet and stale. The cows much prefer the silage made of fresh spring grass! Having said that, some of the young stock will be happy and healthy outside on longer term pastures.

It is important the animals have the right food. Cows’ needs are different as milk producers than young stock whose needs are to grow a good frame. Beef cattle’s needs are different again – they need to grow a good frame then finish for beef.
All these different needs are met by the forage we grow – first cut grass silage and maize silage for the milkers, second cut grass silage for dry cows, beef and young stock. Some hay is used and barley straw. All the diets are scrutinised by our feed specialist, Richard, who makes sure all animal needs are covered, including minerals and vitamins.

We were so glad of the late summer/early autumn flush of grass after the rain, which meant we were able to make more silage and extend the grazing season. More rain is needed to replenish the aquafers and reservoirs for next year.
The state of the whole world has probably not been so unstable since the Second World War – costs are rising but thankfully the value of food seems to be recognised more. The importance of keeping waste to a minimum has never been more important for our purses and long-term improvement in our environment and climate change. Education is the route to teaching our young and not so young people how to budget – produce a nutritious tasty meal with affordable ingredients, conserve energy and water in our homes and workplaces. We really need a reset in our lives.
As Christmas is coming, we must spare a thought for our environment and buy gifts that are sensitive to our world. Less plastic, lower food and goods miles.
n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn; Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD; phone: 01963 33177; www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; opening times Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm.