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From The Wellies - April 06

THE RAIN AND SNOW of recent weeks have done their best to take rainfall levels back to normal in Scotland and the North of England. The late snow has been a bonus for the Scottish Ski Centres, who have enjoyed some excellent skiing conditions in the last few weeks. Field drains, which had stopped during late January and early February, are running again and it’s hard to believe that three drought orders have already been applied for, and granted, in South East England.
Many customers of horticultural companies in the affected areas have already cancelled orders for bedding plants and turf due to water restrictions. Water companies have been accused of paying large dividends to shareholders instead of investing in new reservoirs and mending leaks. The water shortages stem back to late 2004 when rainfall levels in the South of England dropped below average levels. A very dry spring is predicted in the south so it doesn’t look like their reservoirs will be filled anytime soon.

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Lambing and calving are in full swing on many farms at this time of year. Snow and heavy rain is the last thing that farmers want during this busy time. New lambs and calves born outside can become chilled very quickly if they don’t take to their feet and suckle their mothers.
The first milk that a new mother has is colostrum which contains a large number of antibodies which give the new lamb or calf protection against any bugs which it will come across in its first few days of life.
On farms where natural shelter is not available or fields don’t have drystane walls to provide a break from the wind and rain, large round or square bales of straw can be placed around fields to provide shelter.

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A final reminder to those who go walking, riding or cycling across farmland. Great care should be taken when out and about, not to disturb any newborn calves or lambs.
New mothers, especially cows, can be very unpredictable. Their natural instinct is to defend their young so please obey any warning signs on gates or, if in doubt, check with the farmer before taking access.

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