It seems only five minutes since I last up dated the blog, but that is now several month ago.
The winter has been very busy, despite all our concerns regarding the lack of funding. We have run a verity course from sausage making to digger driving, all of which have been well attended.
During the winter we have also seen our academy members grow in ability and confidence, with our first members realising their ambition to obtain a farm tenancy. Paul and Katie will be moving to Yorkshire in the autumn to run a mixed farm. We all wish them well. The academy speakers have been excellent, and we have received very positive feed back from members, so much so that we are currently putting the winter programme together. We will also pilot an award which will recognise the achievement of the academy members.
The farm has wintered well too. With rising corn and meat prices all looks a little brighter this spring, despite the increase in fuel bills, life is far more positive. We had a fairly good laming season and the little dears are now growing and looking well. Blue tongue has continued to play its part in our management of livestock, as the turning out of cattle had to be delayed so that the stock could be injected with the first of their two injections. Injecting them the second time was more exciting, leaving one with a cut leg, which required vets visit and two dented cars. An expensive day for all.To end this blog we have good news on the funding front. SEEDA have accepted the consortium bid submitted by Lantra and RBAT, to deliver training under the Rural Development Plan for England. This will mean training grants will be available to our customers employed in agriculture, horticulture and now forestry from the autumn of this year. This will be great of all concerned and allow us to move all our business on. We are also hopeful that the Leader initiatives will allow others to access grant for their business development.
To close it is still raining here in Marsh, but we wish you a sunny June.
Kate Mason
