Life on the Farm

Hello all, how is everyone doing?

That’s us into March and the lighter nights are fair creeping in, which is so nice to see.  I’m not sure about you, but when it’s so dark all the time I find it a bit claustrophobic and when the lighter nights appear, it really does feel like a breath of fresh air.

It’s crazy to think that I have now been back at work for well over a month. To be honest we’re doing well with our routine and Ellie is loving time at the childminder.  It’s so good for her (and me) to see other people and have different stimulation, socialising with others.  I also love picking her up, I get the best cuddles and smiles!

As a woman returning to work after maternity leave this can spark some debate as to whether, we should, or should not. Overall, it really depends on personal circumstances and most of all a need for pay, and right now every penny counts.

As a woman in agriculture, and part of the farming community it was always the way that a woman would stay at home, cook, clean and look after the children.  Probably alongside giving a hand on the farm.  Don’t get me wrong that would be a handful in itself, but I would love to be more involved outside if I could.

These days, the general set up is a whole load different and sadly farming is becoming less sustainable to support a family, meaning working off farm has become more and more of a need.  Coupled with the cost of living crisis, women are being asked to work harder, meaning juggling more than before, from cooking, cleaning, kids, as well as working off farm.

There is a point to everything I am talking about, 8th March is International Women’s Day.  This is a day set to remember when women’s rights were not as they are now.  Overall respect was once a lot different to what we have these days, which we should not forget. But also it gives a day to recognise how amazing women are, we grow life!

Down on the farm we have lots of new life springing about, and the calves are hitting the ground thick and fast.  We have around 20 calves already and they’re all doing well, which is so good to see.  Our heifers calf first, these are the girls who have not calved previously.  This gives them some time to settle with their calves and more space in the larger pen before the cows start.