At this time of year, we anxiously count the bales in the barn, wondering if they’ll see us through to turn out time. Our stores of hay and bedding are dwindling fast. The wet autumn and the timing of our TB test dictated the cattle’s housing in November, but how soon will we witness the delights of turn out day?

We eagerly anticipate the heartwarming sight of our cattle frolicking in sheer exuberance, kicking up their heels and charging about the field, celebrating before settling down to feast, wrapping their tongue around the fresh grass, ripping it off, munching contentedly. Many such scenes are shared on social media.

I haven’t seen many videos capturing the farmer’s joy, but believe me, we feel a sense of freedom too; released from the daily routine of providing food, water and fresh bedding. No more worrying about water levels in the rain harvesting tanks, keeping the filters clean or ensuring water flow despite freezing conditions. No more scraping out feed passages, cleaning out the sheds, avoiding dust when bedding down and unrolling bales along the feed face, forking up the hay or silage. It falls under the term stock-work. While rewarding in its own way, it’s time consuming, and competes with other farm tasks demanding attention.

Tightening up farm security has been a major concern lately, with numerous break-ins reported in our area. Don’t think it won’t happen to you; we’re all at risk. It’s unsettling to know that people are snooping around our farms, looking for opportunities to steal our tools and equipment.

While I sometimes mutter about modern technology, I must admit that our local WhatsApp group, Farmwatch, is brilliant for alerting us to uninvited visitors in our locality. If you don’t have a similar group in your area, I strongly recommend setting one up. It’s also invaluable for reporting escapee sheep or cattle and warning about unattended dogs that could harm livestock.

Earlier this winter, I discovered a different kind of break-in. Unlocking Jimny in the farmyard, I was horrified to find ‘calling cards’ – a few rat droppings deposited in a feed bucket. I’d kept a small bucket of sheep cake in the passenger footwell as it is a handy aid for catching sheep. After a thorough rodent check by the dogs (who assured me it was clear), I ventured inside. I was astounded to find the devils had gnawed a large hole in the webbing surrounding the 4WD gear stick. Needless to say, I no longer leave food in this vehicle overnight.

Not long after that incident, we faced the opposite problem. In hindsight we really need to get a spare key for Jimny. You probably guessed it; yep – my three collies were loaded into Jimny, all the windows were closed, and I stupidly left the key in the ignition. Thankfully the engine wasn’t running. My workmates and I were heading off to tend to the sheep when, just ten paces away I heard a click. I knew instantly what had happened. The dogs had managed to lock themselves inside.

Ironic, isn’t it? The rats got in more easily than we did. At that moment, I wished I had the skills of the thieves who break into vehicles; clearly my talents are lacking in this activity.

It took several of us over an hour, much muttering and a mix of brawn and brains to regain access. In the end we sent an SOS to our local mechanic, Billy, who came to our rescue and performed an ingenious retrieval of the key. Lesson learned by me, but not by the dogs. Glad to be freed, unfazed, they simply resumed their work.

I’m happy to report that this year there’s enough space in the sheds to bring in all but the smallest of my hoggets for finishing. It’s a far better alternative to feeding outside, where sloshing around in muddy conditions is no fun. Indoor feeding is infinitely easier, and the young collies relish their task of herding the hoggets into a pen, allowing us to put feed in without disruption.

I’ve enjoyed getting back into the swing of market days, and so far prices have been good; long may it last. That said, I’ve realised I’m a bit out of practice. This became obvious when I was standing in the pen with my finished animals, the auctioneer was proceeding at speed nearby and a buyer asked me: “have you got a van?” I looked at him blankly.

My mind drifted back to the early days when just starting out. We hadn’t two shillings to rub together, so we bought an old, ex-GPO van. Back then, when needs must, we transported sheep in the back of that van. Right at that moment, though, I couldn’t think why I needed a van…

Seeing my expression, he rephrased the question: “Are you farm assured?” The penny dropped; he was referring to a Vet Attested Number. I felt such an idiot. I really need to keep up with the lingo.

I was particularly pleased with the sale of cull ewes. I also parted with ‘Mr Bump’, a Suffolk/Texel ram with plenty of character. He sired good lambs, but his broad shoulders meant that his offspring’s journey into the world wasn’t always easy. This tupping season we kept him in reserve and, though I felt a twinge of regret, sometimes the head must rule the heart.

Back at home, the grass is getting a well-deserved rest, but come March the ewes will return from grazing the marshes. They’re looking well, but they’ll soon need extra nutrition and immunisation etc., in preparation for lambing. The winter calves are thriving and we’re bracing ourselves for the main batch of cows to calve. Some will be the progeny of Emerald, our new young Angus bull; I’m hoping all will be well.

Finally, our 2024 Farming Equipment & Technology Fund grant application claim has been acknowledged. The Rural Payments Agency has stated that all valid claims should be paid by 20 June. Finger crossed.

In my opinion, there should be a new political rule: stop blaming previous governments. Unfortunately, this one isn’t listening to reason. But take heart, food is vital for life, and farmers will always be needed.