Preparation for Global Focus Program

Its been over a month since my last update, partly because the last month has been spent  planning rather than travelling, and partly because it just didn't find its way to the top of my to do list !

I have appreciated the time at home to be able to catch a breath and think about the things I have seen and the great people I have met. There is so much to take in and disseminate.
Much of April and May have been about planning the next 12 months for the farm with financial budgets, stock budgets, feed budgets and agronomy programs. This includes reviews of past season taking into account the good, the bad, and changes going forward. How does it go...... 'It is a fool who makes the same mistake twice and expects a different result the second time.'


The arable part of the business has fared well this season, with yields largely unaffected by the drought in late summer and autumn.  The weather was in fact ideal for harvesting and  the dryer only really saw grass seed early in the  season and very little of the cereals. Prices are holding up well on the back of demand from the livestock industry and  solid international prices.

The autumn sown crops are now all in the ground and have established very well. We planted some wheat on the 23 March which is the earliest we have planted as we would normally start in early April. So it will be interesting to follow the crop's development and the results next March.

March sown wheat on May 23rd

The drought has had a huge impact on winter fodder crop yields, with measurements being taken in the last fortnight suggesting yield is around 30% back on average across most of the region. This has the potential to cause some headaches towards the end of winter as the feed runs out. Bringing on supplements will not be straight forward, with little available which will be reflected in the price.
In our own business  the irrigated land has cushioned the effect somewhat and kept the yields closer to the long term average. With grazing contracts in place since December on the area we sell into the dairy industry, the figures are reassuring for both ourselves and the clients. 

View looking across Athol farm as it begins to green after drought. Athol township on far right. 

The sheep sector of the business has taken a pounding this year, with diminishing returns and little hope of respite any time soon. Up until last year we would finish many thousands of store lambs but with no guarantee of margin, the financial risk is simply  too high and so we have been forced to look for other options.
From a breeding perspective the returns are currently below the cost of production - not sustainable in anyone's language ! 

The next 12 months will see the introduction of variable rate irrigation with some of the centre pivots having the hardware installed. The soil mapping has been done last season and shows the potential for increased efficiency. When combined with the variable rate fertiliser program we have been using for two seasons, we are definitely doing our bit to lessen the impact on the environment. As with anything its the small steps that count !

Variable rate fertiliser being spread on pasture land - note grass grub patches

So as I wrap this up I am looking at the list I have made for myself to make sure I get the most out of the two days between now and Wednesday when I head off for nine weeks of travel through at least four continents.
There isn't many things on it left to tick except a few phone calls a couple of meetings and to pack my bags! Providing nothing unexpected comes up, I should be able to slip out of the country largely unnoticed!
I am really looking forward to the Global Focus part of Nuffield, with the exposure to particular elements that I wouldn't otherwise experience and of course meeting people, making contacts and new friends .
Meeting my wife Heather in London at the end of the trip in late July and having a three weeks with her, will however be the highlight......