What a year of extremes. Our autumn sowing started in very dry conditions, but we were trying to be patient to allow the grass weeds to chit so that we could take some out before sowing the winter wheat. We then had record rainfall during October and it became far too wet to get on the fields and complete the sowing. After 2012’s difficulties, this was a major blow. Late November and the first half of December was dry, which allowed us to get back on the fields and sow some more wheat. Short days mean the drying effect is limited though.
Our egg laying units were back to full production with new flocks just in time for the festive season and the dramatic increase in egg sales, but unfortunately we cannot boost the hens to lay more.
At the time of writing, we were waiting see what measures our government would impose with CAP reform, concerned they would divert funds from direct payments to environmental and rural development to a much higher level than most of the rest of the EU, especially at a time when there is a real aspiration to buy British. It is vital our productions costs remain competitive. The problem is we are entering the political silly season running up to election time and short term popular measures become the order of the day.
Happy New Year and best wishes for all of us for kindly weather in 2014.