News from the farm :

On May Morning Now the bright morning star, Dayes harbinger, Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her The Flowry May, who from her green lap throws The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose. Hail bounteous May that dost inspire Mirth and youth and warm desire, Woods and Groves are of thy dressing, Hill and Dale doth boast the blessing. Thus we salute thee with our early Song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. John Milton

Spring calving is well under way now.  Lincoln Red cattle traditionally calve in the fields and then suckle their own calves, on the whole they have their calves and all is fine.  But the other day one poor cow, close to calving, was struggling.  She was given an injection to induce her and within 24 hours a young healthy, live calf was delivered.  Sadly the cow lost her fight.  But then two days later a cow lost her calf and the orphaned calf was quickly introduced and cow and calf are happily united!  The other problem that can arise is if somehow a calf ends up on the wrong side of a fence.  Often the cow will below endlessly for her calf whilst the calf merrily trundles off and ignores the din!!
I hardly dare comment on the weather when I think back to last year but suffice it to say that crops are looking well established and on the whole routine jobs are well up to date on the arable side of things on the farm.
In the shop we have been busy getting ahead with burgers, sausages and grill sticks so that you can have a good selection to stock up ready for the Bar-be-que season! We have also been celebrating.  Norman has been with us for 5 years and his cheerful face and welcome, are well loved by all.  We celebrated with a pink, pig cake….see picture!
For this month’s recipe I have chosen a dish that you can prepare in advance and then have with seasonal vegetables or a lovely fresh salad – depending on the weather!!