Here in the UK, we’ve experienced a particularly dry month so far, although conditions are still not as extreme as those being faced in the Western District of Victoria, Australia. A good friend of ours who farms both in Victoria and South Australia has had to send 300 weaners from each property up to Queensland due to a shortage of feed. Silage crops in our part of the UK are looking very light as a result of the dry spell.
As the UK show season gets underway, it’s been encouraging to see a return to community events and engagement. The Balmoral Show recently took place, which Allan Murray (RASC Honorary Treasurer) attended and thoroughly enjoyed. The Border Union Show held its annual Children’s Day last week, and the Glendale Agricultural Society is set to host its own Children’s Day at the start of June.
Looking internationally, the Hamilton Field Days in New Zealand are scheduled to run from 11th to 14th June. We’d like to extend our best wishes to Richard Lindroos, who has recently taken over as CEO from Peter Nation – we wish him every success in his new role.
In New Zealand, our son Will has just put the rams out with the hoggs. Having recently completed scanning cows, he’s now preparing to begin scanning sheep – a busy time of year for him.
On a personal note, I’m very pleased to share that my wife Caroline, whom many of you have met, is now home after spending three months in hospital. She is thankfully on the mend and recovering well.
Racing season has come to a close for us, and all our horses are now turned out to rest. We currently have 12 horses from Lucinda Russell’s yard here on holiday – those of you who joined the pre-conference tour in 2024 may recall visiting her impressive operation.
