From LEAF Farmer Duncan Farrington
December Newsletter
All of a sudden
another year seems to have passed, and we are thinking of Christmas festivities again. For me this time of year means the height of consumer shows, before Christmas itself with nativity plays, carol services, turkey, family, friends and hopefully a chance for a rest in front of the fire with some old film on the TV.
During a four week period we are in London twice, for three days each time; Birmingham once for five days; before the local Charity Christmas fayres in Hargrave, Kimbolton and Kettering. By the end of it we will have spoken to literally thousands of people, hopefully sold a few bottles of Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, and made some money for charity at the same time. It is certainly hard work standing on your feet all day in an air-conditioned shed like the NEC explaining the virtues of your particular product to anyone that will listen, but at the same time there is a real buzz from meeting loyal customers and other stand holders, making these events very worthwhile.
On the farm we are very much in to the list of winter jobs which vary from repairs to buildings, machinery maintenance and modifications, through to cleaning out drainage ditches and conservation work. One such job is a new owl box which Gordon has made and erected in one of the spinneys. In the past I have made a couple of Barn Owl boxes, following a design from people who know about these things. These have been very successful over the years, with one having at least three chicks in it this year. Gordon’s latest box is designed for Tawny Owls, and where my boxes are similar to a portacabin in looks, this latest incarnation has more of a Scandinavian log cabin look, no doubt complete with sauna and wood burner to keep the prospective residents warm on a winters evening. I will keep you posted on any future residents.
This is also the time of year when planning and number crunching is done in the office, looking at future directions the business may need to take. All options are looked into, with particular projects considered this year being further integration of conservation projects on the farm looking at creating further habitats for wild birds to use, more pond restorations and hedge and tree planting for example. We are also looking at how we can better make use of crop nutrition through both organic manures and precision farming techniques using GPS technology to apply exactly what the crop requires where it needs it. Additionally our research continues into the potential use of renewable energy options in an attempt to make the whole business more efficient and hopefully with the ultimate aim of being carbon neutral in the longer run.
So life is certainly not dull on the farm, with plenty of different things to keep us all busy, for now though it is time to go and collect the hire van to fill up with our show stand, ready to be a market stall holder for the first show. If you are at any of the shows over the next few weeks, come and say hello. If not, have a great Christmas, and enjoyable New Year.
