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 Calving Day (17th April 2011) attracted more than fifty adults and children to a warm and sunny day spent exploring Neil and Jenny’s farm. Neil had very thoughtfully parked a trailer and steps next to the cow barn. This helped us all to see over the heads of the most inquisitive cows and enjoy the sight of the latest additions to Neil’s herd - one of which was born only the evening before! That smallest calf was well looked after by the bevy of cows. The whole herd looked pretty small next to Jim (the delightfully friendly and handsome bull). Of course, Jim got a bit frisky last year and playfully broke Neil’s leg...... Getting friendly with something so big has its risks.
Neil also parked a tractor and harvester on the hard-standing to entertain the children (and the many adults who confessed a secret wish to go on a harvester ...... Neil looked nervous at this point!).
 We were left free to roam around the farmyard but adults and children crowded around Neil as he describe with great feeling how he runs his farm. He explained that he runs three businesses - arable farming is his mainstay, cattle rearing is also an important element and, finally, ecological projects reflect his ethical approach to farming. Neil explained that he received grants that more or less covered the many initiatives across his farm but he also works with other groups that include Wildwood (supporting dormice). Environmental sensitivity is important to Neil - so his fields include patches to help skylarks, ‘islands’ of rough material in fields to support beetle/insects to support the bird populations. He also pays particular attention to field margins and hedgerows for birds and mammals. He described how he chooses chemicals that are more difficult to apply in animal husbandry so that dung-beetles are not harmed. He also applies crop rotation principles to control disease and maintain the fertility of the land he farms.
 The cattle he breeds are either sold on or sent to a local abattoir and prepared by local butchers for sale to local customers by the box. The resulting beef is as good as it gets (the author’s view based on several boxes from Neil’s farm).
The most important arable crop for Neil is premium milling wheat - provided the weather works in his favour. Harvest time is an anxious time as the nutrients, starches and protein levels have to meet exacting standards to reach the premium sought. Other crops include a bean used to supply the Egyptian market, potatoes (but only for a couple of years), and rape. We were shown the different crop seeds as, so often, we only see the end products - bread, oil, crisps, etc.
The whole party then retired to Neil and Jenny’s garden for a delightful spread of home made (by Society Committee members and friends) cakes and biscuits, accompanied by squashes and tea. Because of the weather, we stayed long into the afternoon thanks to the hospitality and generosity of our hosts.
A real buzz, memorable for so much to see, learn and do.
Nigel Heriz-Smith
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