At first we thought it was just a phase – perhaps our large Dexter steer was bellowing because he missed his old farm, give it a few…… Read more “Bellowing Dexter gets the sack”
Dexters join the smallholding
We’ve long debated adding cows to the species list here so we booked a visit to Andrew Tuck’s farm in Tetbury for a discussion about what’s involved.…… Read more “Dexters join the smallholding”
The hungry gap: unless you’re a bee. Or a fox.
The sun is out and the field is full of lush green grass – things have never felt more fertile and productive. In self-sufficiency terms however, things…… Read more “The hungry gap: unless you’re a bee. Or a fox.”
Back to the blog
Sometimes living the rural dream is a full-time job (or so I like to claim) – and writing about it feels like just another item on the…… Read more “Back to the blog”
Who’s left on the farm?
One little piggy might be in the freezer but we still have these two, enjoying a break from the mud in the garage. The sheep are happy…… Read more “Who’s left on the farm?”
Pig processing
Our boy pig had started looking at his sisters in a rather unwholesome fashion, so he went to ‘market’ last week. We were hopeful he’d kill at…… Read more “Pig processing”
Apple pressing – juicy pictures
Cutting down an overshadowing ash tree has given this gnarled old apple tree a new lease of life and a bumper crop of fruit. We picked…… Read more “Apple pressing – juicy pictures”
Making hay while the sun shines
By the end of June our field was full of long grass. Making hay off it seemed the obvious answer. Reluctant to hand the job straight to…… Read more “Making hay while the sun shines”
Three Little Pigs
By the end of May we’re usually feeling strong enough to start thinking about getting piglets again, ready for a summer and autumn of fattening. This year…… Read more “Three Little Pigs”
Butchery for dummies
Until we started keeping animals I had no idea how important it was that meat was hung properly. This week we collected a lamb (ok, technically hogget…… Read more “Butchery for dummies”
