As I write this in mid-September, the days are becoming shorter, and the crispness of autumn is in the air, here in the United Kingdom. I am delighted to share that we continue to receive positive feedback from our recent conference, both via email and social media, which has been incredibly encouraging.
The Ekka in Brisbane, Australia, was a great success, and you can find a report later in this newsletter. The Adelaide Show has just wrapped up, and we will include a report in our next edition. Meanwhile, the Perth Royal Show will run from the 21st to the 28th of September, and the Melbourne Show is set to begin on Thursday, 26th September, running through to Sunday, 6th October.
On a local note, we recently held the Glendale Show in North Northumberland, on Monday 26th August. It was a fantastic event, with an increase in attendance, and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We were also honoured to welcome our new local Member of Parliament (MP), who showed a keen interest in the activities and challenges facing our rural community.
In New Zealand, our eldest son Will and his wife Jenna are in the midst of lambing season – despite the rain – and they have just sent 140 dairy heifers off the farm after their grazing period. Here at home, we have finished the harvest, completed a second cut of silage and lamb sales are going well too – with prices higher than last year.
Fishing on the River Tweed has improved this season, following a challenging year previously. The Border Union’s (based in Kelso, Scottish Borders) recent ram sale, one of the largest in the world, saw impressive results, with the top price for a Texel ram reaching £35,000.
On a final note, keep an eye out in Victoria next month as we will have Chubby, his wife Chrissy, and Will, Jenna, and our two grandsons Toby and Jack visiting!
