Honey you would need to build a big sheep shed. The rain is crazy and won't be getting any better. You're a strong girl and hope things work out. You love Farming xxxx
Hi Joanna. I certainly can empathise with you about the rotten wet time you're having to contend with as we endured the wettest times in all of 2022 and part of 2023 that I've ever known in my 48 years of farming. We've had wet times before (1976, 1979, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2010) but 2022 to mid 23 was soul destroying horrible for farming for many with virtually no let up in the rain at all here on the Darling Downs in South-east Queensland, Australia. The weather side of farming does get you down a lot of time but now on top of that the farmer also has to now deal with unfeasible and in many cases, insane, government policies, machinations and manipulations that it seems are being forced on farmers worldwide. This is adding yet another layer of worry and tension for the primary producer to deal with. Hopefully in time this lunacy can be pushed back with sanity finally prevailing and all this current rot will be just an unpleasant memory. Sorry about the rant. I hope things get better very quickly for you Joanna. No matter what, please never doubt how very capable you are and know that you and Nick are doing everything you can very effectively and correctly in the current less-than-ideal circumstances that you're facing. I truly mean that. Take care.
Hi Jeff thank you for writing to me I always find your comments very interesting, also your level Of understanding too is comforting as you make me feel I’m not alone! It’s been a hectic week so I’m only just catching up. On the cattle moving day my mum fell Down and shattered her wrist she’s been in and out of hospital this week having a cast, then back for surgery to pin it back together and then back to hospital because she had some complications after the surgery ! We have had more challenging weather too. I sure feel that farming is almost becoming impossible, which I think is probably partly what our governments want ….!! Protests in Europe and over here now. Farmers will have a tough ride I think ! Take care xx
@@DaleFarm Hi Joanna. I hope things improve for you mum. I truly believe that collectively the Western World farmers will eventually win out because we must. Take care Joanna.
Keep ur chin up honey!! Ur doing great ur dad would be so proud of u both!! Everywhere wet and miserable ur not alone!! Fingers crossed for a nice spring and an easy lambing time!! Keep the great videos coming. The campsite looked really busy and doing well.
Hi Joanna, the only animals on your farm that like this weather is the Highland Cattle. Talk about a bit of rain and mud which has persisted for what seems like months. All the ewes are looking good considering the wet pastures and mud. Here in Australia we are still having a summer with lots of days over 30⁰ C and throw in a few up to 40⁰ in nearly March. Our paddocks are opposite to yours, dry and dusted. We could do with some of your rain to get the spring grass growing. A busy time is ahead with your lambing on the horizon and getting the shed ready for the yearly event. One positive with your weather means you and Nick can enjoy a nice log fire, a great steak and drop of red wine. Chris from Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
Hi Chris it’s a shame we can’t trade some rain and sun , you can send us some sun and we will ship the rain over ! Yes I do enjoy cooking a nice meal and we had some slow cooked highland beef with red wine it was delicious!! Helps after a miserable day outside
I get so depressed when it rains so much or when the winter season drags on too long. Ooh that mud is so nasty. The sheep & cows are looking good & seem to be handling the poor weather. Pretty soon the weather will change for the better. P.S. the birds sound lovely.
Hi Roberta. Yes I’m thoroughly fed up of trudging around in the cold and wet , seeing Dale farm looking a mess and the livestock being wet and muddy all the time. We need a nice spring now! Good weather for ducks but we don’t have any!
Joanna and Nick, you have my gratefulness for what you do, and my respect. Right now, with the many weather changes that we are all experiencing, I would think it would be very difficult to maneuver. Joanna, I think you are doing very well, working through the challenges, wanting, and needing the sun as part of your recipe of life. I think it’s very reflective, that you are looking at options to farming it is extremely difficult. Watching you relate with your flock, and animals is always very endearing. No matter what you decide to do, you and Nick, you will always be successful. I am pleased to be part of the flock. 😊
if its any consolation to you , the whole place is in absolute scutter around here also ..........the few sheep i have are lambing indoors at the moment .......they are happy to be in out of the weather ........have cows and calves outside in a dry sheltered field and some of the calves get under the electric wire and come back down the track to lie in front of a slatted shed that is beside the road , they lie on the silage under the canopy .......in out of the rain .......the cows have to make do with woodchips on built up pads ......
It’s been really wet here the last couple of days ! Horrible sleet , heavy showers. We definitely need to invest in some hard standing feeding areas ! A job for autumn perhaps !!
Yes I'm with you on the Mental Health of Farmers & the relentless daily grind of where does it all end ? Become easier ? & Great seeing you're so observant with the Prolapse & getting ready with Lambing Season on the Way clearing out the space & Stores checking Viva Bambi & Nibbles Winning the Ewes Race for Drier Brighter Weather yes this month called now Wetbruary So pleased despite your tough moments Joanna you've got resilience. Yes one day Beaming Sunshine the next day Grey & Rainy. When its a Hot Dry Summer you can hose us all down Take Care Joanna & Nick Doing a Great Job Xxx
Hi David ! Thanks for the comment I enjoyed reading it ! Been a wet start to March we had sleet and snow! Not spring yet !! I know it can’t be far away though! Still need our long wellies!!
Muddy gateways are part of farm life, always have been and well before tractors. As a child I wore wellies more hours a day than shoes, often unfortunately with holes in. My wet socks hanging on the rayburn rail a common sight, they were at least warm when i put them back on.
Joanna please stay positive through these dark and very wet winters, look what you have achieved since the sad passing of your wonderful Dad, you got great prices at market the other month not bad for someone who had to step up to the plate and carry on, and yes why would you want to put the feeders miles from the gate only to put wheel ruts all over the farm, keep up the good work 😊
Thank you for this lovely comment, yes I have to remember there have been lots of good moments in the last few years even with all the difficulties! And nick and I do chat about what we have achieved when we are trying to lift our spirits !! It’s defo been a tough winter I hate the struggle of the wet and mud. Cold frosty winters I would be way happier
Thank you, it feels like it’s been wet and miserable for such a long time I am losing faith for sure ! I’m sure when the sun comes out it will lift our spirits
Farming is like a daily marathon. You’re doing well! Keep up the great work! Anyone who likes to eat food should thank a farmer. I am thankful for you all! May God bless you. ✌🏻❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻🇬🇧
Thank you ! Yes I have to agree it definitely feels like a marathon ! Some sections are more enjoyable than others but we can never stop and take our foot Off the gas.
I remember similar years in the 80’s. Thankfully they come and go. It’s surprising how the fields recover. Definitely sell the geld one. Rarely work out 🤷♂️. And a good idea to prep for lambing👍
You’re just going to have to do a sunshine dance! 😁Rain rain go away, come again another day! It’s still beautiful there though, and you’re doing a great job! (Wouldn’t children love to squish around in that mud, maybe mud pies!) Great video 💕
Thank you Gerry, yeah this morning went to town to get some Vet supplies and the farm Store and it was so dark at 9:30 and pelting down with rain, absolutely awful
Hi Jo and Nick, I know that everyone is sick and tired of this weather, but we have to believe that it will get better. There is a field at the back of our house that was drilled in the Autumn with winter barley and the headland is waterlogged, we have never seen it like that in 28 years of living here. You''re a survivor Jo so don't give up, it will get better, and at least you've got Nick, ain't that right Nick.
i'm thinking the same as you that there could be a dry summer this year.......the amount of rain in the last six months has been horrendous. stay strong guys.......better days will come
Hi Jo Oh this weather makes everyone so miserable doesn’t it Even more so where you are but look forward to the new lambs coming and hopefully dry days The birdsong always cheers me up like you At least the campsite is thriving even in this weather so that’s a positive. I hope you are feeling better after your cold you had. Take care Love Kim ❤❤
It's hard work. It's every day. I just wish that people realized where their food came from and apreciated all that you do! Yhere are children who think that food just comes from the shop! Love you and Nick and all you do.
Hello Joanna and Nick, The weather will change before you know it. Yes farming and Ranchin can be very demanding. But it is the BEST way to live, at least I think. Keep Smiling 😊
Joanna, you have to keep positive all the time, you and Nick are doing a grand job, dad would be proud of you both. Just about everyone is in the same boat, so keep your chin up, no negative thoughts. Can you put your thoughts on a nice summer in writing lol. Take care xx
Joanna keep the head up,keep goi g forward, dont overthink thigs and you'll really enjoy the sunshine alot more,we've all to put up with it,makes you appreciate the good days alot more.
Yeah , we need a good opportunity to get the fields back to good order before the grass grows and last year we didn’t get all the field work done ( harrowing and rolling) because it was a very brief dry spell while we were lambing - we got some done but it was hard because the focus was on the sheep and really we needed a few days on the tractor all day
Great work there guys 👍👍 Summer just round the corner and its nice to see the days are starting to draw out now birds singing. Nick Shorts you must be Mad. God bless ♥♥♥♥
It has been a very wet winter and really miserable at times. Lots of flooded land were we are. So have an idea how you're feeling but give it a few weeks and some drier weather and we'll all be feeling a little better. Thanks for the video. All the best 🇬🇧.
The weather patterns everywhere are so messed up and the impact on the animals, field and crops is so difficult. Are there other farmers that you can share concerns and feelings with in your area? Your sheep look great, and the Highlands are amazing. You are both doing a great job. The mud season will pass. The pictures you share on Facebook are always beautiful. The background of the spring bulbs and bird song are promises of better days to come. Take good care.
Sorry its such a mess , its something you cannt control . S very tuff year . Farmer P didnt pass tb .lost quit a few for him . Here in the western usa .ranchers and farmers are contending with the two legged urban people and wolves literally .people dont get it . And wolves Reintroduce to areas where ranching has been for years makes no sense. Every one is having challenges one way or another . Keep on keeping on one day at a time . And enjoy You live in a beautiful area and you have a good flock of sheep . Love the bireds singing. We are dry , very dry .scary dry . Thankyou for the vidio .🌼🌧️🌱🌧️🌃🏞️🌠🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌻
Thank you for the comment , I’m sorry it’s such a dry spell, we need some kinder conditions don’t we ! I keep saying we need the weather to help us rather than cause problems. Tb is a big worry for sure , I have been thinking about it a lot as someone near to us had some cows with TB recently
We have lots of mud as well, the ducks n geese like it though. Like you said mentally its a strain, simple tasks are a struggle, tiredness etc... but like you said in a few months we will need rain, keep pushing forward and keep smiling just like Nick xxx
Keep yer chin up ay. It’s the wettest winter I’ve ever known here in the south west and the wettest my dad has ever known and he’s 65!!! All us shepherds and farmers are absolutely pig sick of it too but it will end, eventually!! Like you say, we’ll be in a drought in a few months time 😰😭🤣 keep at it 💪🏻👍🏻
Thank you! I hope your lambing goes well , we are on the countdown now! Best place for lambs is inside right now we have had awful rain and sleet this week
your life choice is just that a choice and you do it so well.... maybe time to do some plunging in a cold water and maybe a hike just to clear your mind and body hugssssssss
Thank you and not for nothing, I think scaling back on the sheep and increasing the camping may be a way ahead. Farming is a commitment that can't be rationalized or questioned. Either all in or not, the way is never certain or clear. Your Dad was amazing and devoted to the farm. Not an easy decision but a necessary one int the end for your mental health. Enjoyed watching and wish you and Nick the best foe sure. Cheers!
Rain rain go away please come another day lol. Wow its been one wet season for yall and it has been here in the US also but cant wait for spring. But enjoyed the video and good to see yall. Yall take care and God bless 🙏
You and your man give so much to the rest of us non farmers please carry on you do so well with the currant hardships you would be sadly missed if you quit but do what is best for you both ,we live in canvey island essex and look forward to your video every week xx luv ya
We’ve actually managed a week without having the fields (completely) flooded! Every horse shoe print is full of water so can’t walk from one end of a field to the other without getting wet, but we’re get there! Birds are starting to sing and heat in the sun when it appears! We’re supposed to have a hotter than normal summer thanks to El Niño but i think it’s going to be a drought… good for hay making though!😁😆🤦♂
keep your chin up joanna the rain will stop one day and as you say you watch summer be a hot dry one --i was going the long way round to work because all the country lanes were flooded last week ---the sheep are looking well take care
On wet days its tough. On good days its enjoyable. It will be worth it if u both enjoy it and get a good holiday from it. Nick seems to thrive on the farm. I dont know finance is but maybe a shed for wintering or lower stock numbers again. Ye are doin a great job. Hope the sun shines soon. ❤
Thank you Damien ! Hopeful for a better spell of weather and maybe this last 12 months can languish in history as one of the shit times of horrible challenging weather!!
Hi Joanna great video again thanks, is it the same place blue skies and sunshine 🌞, then back to miserable weather. It's not just you at the moment feeling despondent i feel for all the farmers at the moment it must be heartbreaking with all the fields under water. We all need some sunshine and warmth to make us feel better. To your credit it may be muddy but the sheep 🐑 look well,thanks again for your honesty and wearing your heart on your sleeve. Just remember when it gets tough your dad is watching over you and is very proud. Thanks again take care and stay safe 👍 😊.
Thank you kelvin , I hope that soon we will get plenty more uplifting days. Today here has been better , after a couple of terrible days rain, sleet and everything!! It’s been horrible constantly struggling in the mud but I do hope it will have a fast turnaround
Amazing,how do you keep up with the work and a brill video as well and enjoyed a look at the wall ….praying for a few dry days and it’ll be finished. Then on to the next one!!😊
It looks a difficult time at the moment, however the best sign that you are doing the best for your sheep is the fantastic scanning percentage. If i were choosing which parts of the enterprise to increase or remove i would lose the cows, they have such a slow turnover and the return from the breed is very little. They seem to need water in summer, and winter. Could you house the sheep a week earlier to ease the grazing pressure a little, it will be a big relief to see them off the grass? Store lamb trade still good if you want to see the little ones away. Keep up the good work
Thanks Graham. Yeah I do think about lots of different scenarios , I guess with the cattle there’s the fact we enjoy having them ( on the whole ) and while it’s a labour … I think it’s because I love having livestock ! It’s in my blood perhaps xx
Stick with it yes its tuff and we all question what we b doing from time 2 time but if farming is in your blood l think its there good your doing great
Hi you's pair. Keep you heads up and keep marching. Same weather here in North Ireland or maybe worse. I have just finished lambing Ped. Suffolks and mommy's and lamb's still housed. In sense start of December. But they are happy in side and doing well. Only issues with my lot this year and with some other early lambing farmers in this area over here was Mastitis in the alders. Maybe the wet autumn and winter caused it. But soldier on and fight the battle. Your doing all you can well. Keep up the good work. Spring is just round the corner. Rab
@@DaleFarm yes lambs doing fine. On the creep meal. Could have a few up to weight for the Easter sale. Ewes and lambs are all free and roaming the fields on the grass with the option to return to the lambing house for shelter and dry bedding.
❤️ love hearing the birds singing. The cattle are really wooly looking. The Highland cattle are made for bad weather. Have you tried Crystal Licks buckets fer the sheep. I watch loads of sheep videos and most use the Crytal links for the Ewes before and after lambing.
Thank you Declan, yeah we had a better few days this week , we worked on our campsite project a lot of hours , even a bit of drizzle better than wind and pouring rain but been pelting down with rain the last 2 days and now we are back to standing in water on the fields
Hi Joanna. I think we are all fed up of this wet weather but that is our climate unfortunately. I’m more of a hobby farmer I guess as I have a full time job but I only keep enough sheep that the land can handle over the winter. I have 50 ewe lambs on 12 acres and it keeps them going on grass over the winter. Even in the really wet times the fields don’t get muddy and I don’t have to get feed for them. Much less work too. Maybe if you just kept enough ewes for the land over the winter it would be less headaches and would be more enjoyable work. During the summer you could make hay/silage and sell it or put more animals on it to eat up the grass. It might be a better balance and would give you more time to earn money in another way that is more enjoyable for you and Nick.
Is it possible to mitigate against mud by creating permanent hardstanding feeding areas? Next question. Can you put land drains in? The lane with trees, walls and a small stream is beautiful. You could hire it out as a film location. Bit of diversification.
We definitely need to invest in the hard standing feed areas. Cash flow is a concern but we can cost it up and make a start on the most important areas first
I understand your feelings on farming as it is now,the Welsh farmers are fighting hard to save their livelihood,It will be hard going, as they are up against a government that don’t want farms and import our food.Stupidity at its best.But I have faith in the British farmers and I have faith in you 100%.Take care both.
As someone who lives in a completely different climate, I'm wonder if adding sand around the area where you keep the feeder would help. We have lots of sand on our property and I do think it helps a bit when things get muddy. I just really sympathize when conditions are miserable and there might be options that could help. Either way, lovely sheep and farm ❤️❤️
Joanna, you’re Dad would be so proud of you and Nick doing your best every day but it looks like we must all cut back on numbers of animals due to weather pressures.....you might make more money with less.❤
It's difficult to stay positive when it's cold and wet all the time, but self-doubt is a positive. Yeah, I know it's a difficult sell. Nobody ever improved their situation without the intelligence that fosters self-doubt. I'm now officially Californian :-)
just coming to the end of summer here in NZ had two nights of gentle rain and could not tell you when it rained last - lawns are brown - when does lambing start?
have you ever seen Sandi Brock you tube videos she does it all inside cuz here in Canada coyotes are every where and she still has issues and some times she is so wanting to quit but she butts on and she gets it done maybe you could have some indoor sheep and outdoor sheep so you can have a bit of a change ???? hugsssss
Factory farming is a completely different way of life and is mainly done to produce more lambs faster and for the get to weight faster. Also when she first let these old sheep go outside they were scared to leave the shelter of the barn. While sandi is doing her best on the welfare side of things and was keeping the barn understocked to what Canadian law says can fit in. I honestly don't think any animals should be locked under a roof for their whole life
I'm sure your Dad told you from the start that farming is a series of highs and lows. Tough at times but absolute satisfaction to balance those. You are seemingly a strong team but the campsite is a job in its self so how about hiring some help as needed?
Thank you! Yes he definitely stressed that it’s not easy and we understand that! We get help to run the campsite on the busy months , we couldn’t do it all just the two of us when it’s lambing etc and school holidays the Campsite is demanding there’s not enough hours in the day
I'm glad you do this & I understand the rewards like new lambs & beautiful days & swimming in a cold river. I also think the system is sort of rigged against farmers and the ultimate consumers. You are paid far too little, & I think we pay a little too much. I applaud you for diversifying, but part of me thinks you shouldn't really have to. I grew up on a small acreage with cattle & an occasional sheep. My Dad's regular job supported that farm. We had many winters like yours, and not a few times I got a wet stocking accidentally pulling my foot out of a rubber boot stuck in too-deep mud. Then the next summer, we'd pray that rain would come before the well went dry or a fire started. But, again, the rewards were life-enhancing: delivering a live calf or having a beer with my Dad while sitting on the hay at sunset are memories I'd never trade. I'd never blame you for doing something else, but part of me really hopes you hang in there. Sorry for the long, rambling, nostalgic post.
Yeah there are many amazing moments to experience on a farm but plenty of challenges too and you recognise both sides of it !! We are definitely over due some better times it’s a miserable struggle over a prolonged wet spell. X
Looks wet yous to .hay just thinking if you have a set place you like to feed the sheep and that and its getting wet and boggie in winter .what about this summer mybe get a price on some 40 mm rock or railway ballast rock just to put down around were the feeding aria i dont know what it woud cost but just an idia ok yep its a tuf game farming but just pace your self id rather be doing that then a 5 till 5 job answering to some boss haha ok youll both be rite ok stay warm nice vid be safe
I get the feeling that you are fraying at the edges a bit and who can blame you. It must be hard on you mentally and physically and testing on your relationships. Hopefully this coming year won’t be as bad as 23/24. If this is going to be the format moving forward perhaps a cut in livestock numbers and expand the campsite or diversify into something entirely different? I get the vibe that you two have an amazing cv and the ability to take on anything. Really depressed the way farmers are getting dumped on by the present Government and I would say Labour would not be much better. Hoping that the weather breaks and you get a bit of much earned sun on your backs x.
Yeah I feel overwhelmed quite often tbh!! It’s hard to juggle everything, work life can totally take over and then I lose perspective too! And a small break from routine can do so much good, we are in a fairly sensitive position since dad died, hopefully it will get better and easier x
You doing good lass ,Ur dad be proud of you. Been a long winter
Thank you! Yes it really has been a long winter
We are all fed up of the rain ☔️ so let’s hope March will improve and we get a good summer ❤
I’m hopeful xx
Honey you would need to build a big sheep shed. The rain is crazy and won't be getting any better. You're a strong girl and hope things work out. You love Farming xxxx
Thank you David xx
We never forget where our food comes from. Thank you for what you do. We do appreciate you.
Thank you for this comment xx
Hi Joanna. I certainly can empathise with you about the rotten wet time you're having to contend with as we endured the wettest times in all of 2022 and part of 2023 that I've ever known in my 48 years of farming. We've had wet times before (1976, 1979, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2010) but 2022 to mid 23 was soul destroying horrible for farming for many with virtually no let up in the rain at all here on the Darling Downs in South-east Queensland, Australia.
The weather side of farming does get you down a lot of time but now on top of that the farmer also has to now deal with unfeasible and in many cases, insane, government policies, machinations and manipulations that it seems are being forced on farmers worldwide. This is adding yet another layer of worry and tension for the primary producer to deal with. Hopefully in time this lunacy can be pushed back with sanity finally prevailing and all this current rot will be just an unpleasant memory. Sorry about the rant.
I hope things get better very quickly for you Joanna. No matter what, please never doubt how very capable you are and know that you and Nick are doing everything you can very effectively and correctly in the current less-than-ideal circumstances that you're facing. I truly mean that. Take care.
Hi Jeff thank you for writing to me I always find your comments very interesting, also your level
Of understanding too is comforting as you make me feel I’m not alone! It’s been a hectic week so I’m only just catching up. On the cattle moving day my mum fell
Down and shattered her wrist she’s been in and out of hospital this week having a cast, then back for surgery to pin it back together and then back to hospital because she had some complications after the surgery ! We have had more challenging weather too. I sure feel that farming is almost becoming impossible, which I think is probably partly what our governments want ….!! Protests in Europe and over here now. Farmers will have a tough ride I think ! Take care xx
@@DaleFarm Hi Joanna. I hope things improve for you mum.
I truly believe that collectively the Western World farmers will eventually win out because we must.
Take care Joanna.
Keep ur chin up honey!! Ur doing great ur dad would be so proud of u both!! Everywhere wet and miserable ur not alone!! Fingers crossed for a nice spring and an easy lambing time!! Keep the great videos coming. The campsite looked really busy and doing well.
Thank you for the uplifting comment ❤️
Hi Joanna, the only animals on your farm that like this weather is the Highland Cattle. Talk about a bit of rain and mud which has persisted for what seems like months. All the ewes are looking good considering the wet pastures and mud. Here in Australia we are still having a summer with lots of days over 30⁰ C and throw in a few up to 40⁰ in nearly March. Our paddocks are opposite to yours, dry and dusted. We could do with some of your rain to get the spring grass growing. A busy time is ahead with your lambing on the horizon and getting the shed ready for the yearly event. One positive with your weather means you and Nick can enjoy a nice log fire, a great steak and drop of red wine. Chris from Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
Hi Chris it’s a shame we can’t trade some rain and sun , you can send us some sun and we will ship the rain over ! Yes I do enjoy cooking a nice meal and we had some slow cooked highland beef with red wine it was delicious!! Helps after a miserable day outside
Wishing you a few weeks of dry weather so the fields can recover but you're looking after the livestock so well in extreme conditions 👏👏😀
Thank you, still waiting for some good weather 🙁
I get so depressed when it rains so much or when the winter season drags on too long. Ooh that mud is so nasty. The sheep & cows are looking good & seem to be handling the poor weather. Pretty soon the weather will change for the better. P.S. the birds sound lovely.
Hi Roberta. Yes I’m thoroughly fed up of trudging around in the cold and wet , seeing Dale farm looking a mess and the livestock being wet and muddy all the time. We need a nice spring now! Good weather for ducks but we don’t have any!
Joanna and Nick, you have my gratefulness for what you do, and my respect. Right now, with the many weather changes that we are all experiencing, I would think it would be very difficult to maneuver. Joanna, I think you are doing very well, working through the challenges, wanting, and needing the sun as part of your recipe of life.
I think it’s very reflective, that you are looking at options to farming it is extremely difficult. Watching you relate with your flock, and animals is always very endearing. No matter what you decide to do, you and Nick, you will always be successful. I am pleased to be part of the flock. 😊
Thank you Keith , yes we definitely need the sun, the rain too but not so much of just one !! It’s been a long miserable winter for sure
if its any consolation to you , the whole place is in absolute scutter around here also ..........the few sheep i have are lambing indoors at the moment .......they are happy to be in out of the weather ........have cows and calves outside in a dry sheltered field and some of the calves get under the electric wire and come back down the track to lie in front of a slatted shed that is beside the road , they lie on the silage under the canopy .......in out of the rain .......the cows have to make do with woodchips on built up pads ......
It’s been really wet here the last couple of days ! Horrible sleet , heavy showers.
We definitely need to invest in some hard standing feeding areas ! A job for autumn perhaps !!
Yes I'm with you on the Mental Health of Farmers & the relentless daily grind of where does it all end ? Become easier ? & Great seeing you're so observant with the Prolapse & getting ready with Lambing Season on the Way clearing out the space & Stores checking Viva Bambi & Nibbles Winning the Ewes Race for Drier Brighter Weather yes this month called now Wetbruary So pleased despite your tough moments Joanna you've got resilience. Yes one day Beaming Sunshine the next day Grey & Rainy. When its a Hot Dry Summer you can hose us all down Take Care Joanna & Nick Doing a Great Job Xxx
Hi David ! Thanks for the comment I enjoyed reading it ! Been a wet start to March we had sleet and snow! Not spring yet !! I know it can’t be far away though!
Still need our long wellies!!
Muddy gateways are part of farm life, always have been and well before tractors. As a child I wore wellies more hours a day than shoes, often unfortunately with holes in. My wet socks hanging on the rayburn rail a common sight, they were at least warm when i put them back on.
Yeah so many coats and boots and clothing over winter
Keep smiling, keep positive!
Thank you ❤️
Joanna please stay positive through these dark and very wet winters, look what you have achieved since the sad passing of your wonderful Dad, you got great prices at market the other month not bad for someone who had to step up to the plate and carry on, and yes why would you want to put the feeders miles from the gate only to put wheel ruts all over the farm, keep up the good work 😊
Thank you for this lovely comment, yes I have to remember there have been lots of good moments in the last few years even with all the difficulties! And nick and I do chat about what we have achieved when we are trying to lift our spirits !! It’s defo been a tough winter I hate the struggle of the wet and mud. Cold frosty winters I would be way happier
You are both doing so well! Don't let the wet dampen you! Everything can change so quickly. Keep smiling. Much love.
Thank you, it feels like it’s been wet and miserable for such a long time I am losing faith for sure !
I’m sure when the sun comes out it will lift our spirits
When you hear the birds singing you know it's a good day to be in the fields keep the video coming
Thank you Paul x
Farming is like a daily marathon. You’re doing well! Keep up the great work! Anyone who likes to eat food should thank a farmer. I am thankful for you all! May God bless you. ✌🏻❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻🇬🇧
Thank you ! Yes I have to agree it definitely feels like a marathon ! Some sections are more enjoyable than others but we can never stop and take our foot
Off the gas.
I remember similar years in the 80’s. Thankfully they come and go. It’s surprising how the fields recover.
Definitely sell the geld one. Rarely work out 🤷♂️. And a good idea to prep for lambing👍
Yeah the fields always recover so well ! Where the cattle have been will take some work to make right for hay making
You’re just going to have to do a sunshine dance! 😁Rain rain go away, come again another day! It’s still beautiful there though, and you’re doing a great job! (Wouldn’t children love to squish around in that mud, maybe mud pies!) Great video 💕
Thank you! Ready for a beautiful sunny spring now
Great video Guys, I think we are all feeling absolutely fed up with all the rain. Miserable nearly every day, and so dark aswell.
Thank you Gerry, yeah this morning went to town to get some
Vet supplies and the farm
Store and it was so dark at 9:30 and pelting down with rain, absolutely awful
Great work guys. Summer is just round the corner 👍👍 God Bless ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you it has been a long winter
You're a lovely person xxxx
That’s a lovely thing to say xx
THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO JOANNA , PLEASE KEEP SAFE AND WELL , XXX .🐑🚜
Thank you Ernest xx
Hi Jo and Nick, I know that everyone is sick and tired of this weather, but we have to believe that it will get better. There is a field at the back of our house that was drilled in the Autumn with winter barley and the headland is waterlogged, we have never seen it like that in 28 years of living here. You''re a survivor Jo so don't give up, it will get better, and at least you've got Nick, ain't that right Nick.
Thank you for the words of encouragement Colin, yes it’s been a really bad year for rain ( too much ) so let’s hope we get a nicer time this summer
i'm thinking the same as you that there could be a dry summer this year.......the amount of rain in the last six months has been horrendous. stay strong guys.......better days will come
Thank you , it sure does test you, it feels like a constant state of struggle.
Hi Jo
Oh this weather makes everyone so miserable doesn’t it
Even more so where you are but look forward to the new lambs coming and hopefully dry days
The birdsong always cheers me up like you
At least the campsite is thriving even in this weather so that’s a positive.
I hope you are feeling better after your cold you had.
Take care
Love Kim ❤❤
Hi Kim, yeah so miserable I wish spring would hurry up. Hopefully the sun will come at the same time as the lambs !! Happy days!
Farming is like a daily marathon. You’re doing well! Keep up the great work! both
Yeah it feels like that! And the campsite is atrocious when the weather is awful
It's hard work. It's every day. I just wish that people realized where their food came from and apreciated all that you do! Yhere are children who think that food just comes from the shop! Love you and Nick and all you do.
Thank you so much Suzanne for this lovely message xx
Hello Joanna and Nick, The weather will change before you know it. Yes farming and Ranchin can be very demanding. But it is the BEST way to live, at least I think. Keep Smiling 😊
Thank you steve , definitely important to smile xxx
Joanna, you have to keep positive all the time, you and Nick are doing a grand job, dad would be proud of you both. Just about everyone is in the same boat, so keep your chin up, no negative thoughts. Can you put your thoughts on a nice summer in writing lol. Take care xx
Thank you bob ❤️
Have seen it worse , generally a roller & some patching mixture will fix most of lt . In the old days Basic slag & Calified seaweed would help 🤗
Yeah Iv ordered some grass seed! Can’t wait for it to dry up a bit ! It’s awful again today
Joanna keep the head up,keep goi g forward, dont overthink thigs and you'll really enjoy the sunshine alot more,we've all to put up with it,makes you appreciate the good days alot more.
Thank you ❤️ yes that is true and good advice xx
Prolapses SUCK! I hope that turns out okay. Best of luck to you and Nick.
Thank you Craig! Hopefully not have too many more
You have my sympathies , it's so demoralising to see good pasture become a mud path, creating yet more work to repair the damage.
Yeah , we need a good opportunity to get the fields back to good order before the grass grows and last year we didn’t get all the field work done ( harrowing and rolling) because it was a very brief dry spell while we were lambing - we got some done but it was hard because the focus was on the sheep and really we needed a few days on the tractor all day
Great work there guys 👍👍 Summer just round the corner and its nice to see the days are starting to draw out now birds singing. Nick Shorts you must be Mad. God bless ♥♥♥♥
I love to hear the birds ! Birds and Sunshine and I’m in heaven
It has been a very wet winter and really miserable at times. Lots of flooded land were we are. So have an idea how you're feeling but give it a few weeks and some drier weather and we'll all be feeling a little better. Thanks for the video. All the best 🇬🇧.
It’s still horrible here today at 10am it was so dark! Pelting down with rain. Sleet, hail - yuck!! Everything is a battle when it’s like this
The weather patterns everywhere are so messed up and the impact on the animals, field and crops is so difficult. Are there other farmers that you can share concerns and feelings with in your area? Your sheep look great, and the Highlands are amazing. You are both doing a great job. The mud season will pass. The pictures you share on Facebook are always beautiful. The background of the spring bulbs and bird song are promises of better days to come. Take good care.
Thank you Donna! I like the term mud season it certainly feels like a long mud season!!
Yes I have some friends who farm I can chat to and moral support xx
Great video Joanna aye that weather would sicken you but it will get better keep up the good work the both of you 💪👌👌
Thank you Gary , yes absolutely rotten winter
Sorry its such a mess , its something you cannt control . S very tuff year .
Farmer P didnt pass tb .lost quit a few for him .
Here in the western usa .ranchers and farmers are contending with the two legged urban people and wolves literally .people dont get it . And wolves
Reintroduce to areas where ranching has been for years makes no sense.
Every one is having challenges one way or another .
Keep on keeping on one day at a time .
And enjoy
You live in a beautiful area and you have a good flock of sheep .
Love the bireds singing.
We are dry , very dry .scary dry .
Thankyou for the vidio .🌼🌧️🌱🌧️🌃🏞️🌠🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌻
Thank you for the comment , I’m sorry it’s such a dry spell, we need some kinder conditions don’t we ! I keep saying we need the weather to help us rather than cause problems. Tb is a big worry for sure , I have been thinking about it a lot as someone near to us had some cows with TB recently
I liked the hand holding 😊 ;-)). Have a nice day
Thank you !
You are doing so well, don't let the rain get you down spring is nearly here.
Thank you Ian ❤️ yes 🙌 hopefully the weather will turn soon
We have lots of mud as well, the ducks n geese like it though. Like you said mentally its a strain, simple tasks are a struggle, tiredness etc... but like you said in a few months we will need rain, keep pushing forward and keep smiling just like Nick xxx
Yeah it’s exactly that Deanna , a struggle and a strain to keep going doing tasks in foul weather ❤️
The birds sound lovely and the sheep seem very content on their new location ❤ glad that you all get to see the sun! 🌞
Thank you William xxx
Best of luck with everything on the farm ahead 👍👍👍
Thank you
Fantastic ending
Thank you xx
Keep yer chin up ay. It’s the wettest winter I’ve ever known here in the south west and the wettest my dad has ever known and he’s 65!!! All us shepherds and farmers are absolutely pig sick of it too but it will end, eventually!! Like you say, we’ll be in a drought in a few months time 😰😭🤣 keep at it 💪🏻👍🏻
Thank you for the solidarity and encouragement!!
Fair play the sheep are looking good despite the horrible weather ours are in luckily ready for lambing hope your lambing goes well
Thank you! I hope your lambing goes well , we are on the countdown now!
Best place for lambs is inside right now we have had awful rain and sleet this week
your life choice is just that a choice and you do it so well.... maybe time to do some plunging in a cold water and maybe a hike just to clear your mind and body hugssssssss
Yeah it’s important to clear your mind and get some perspective!!
Thank you and not for nothing, I think scaling back on the sheep and increasing the camping may be a way ahead. Farming is a commitment that can't be rationalized or questioned. Either all in or not, the way is never certain or clear. Your Dad was amazing and devoted to the farm. Not an easy decision but a necessary one int the end for your mental health. Enjoyed watching and wish you and Nick the best foe sure. Cheers!
Thank you ❤️
Rain rain go away please come another day lol. Wow its been one wet season for yall and it has been here in the US also but cant wait for spring. But enjoyed the video and good to see yall. Yall take care and God bless 🙏
Thank you Michael ! Very much looking forward to spring and hopefully better conditions
You and your man give so much to the rest of us non farmers please carry on you do so well with the currant hardships you would be sadly missed if you quit but do what is best for you both ,we live in canvey island essex and look forward to your video every week xx luv ya
Thank you so much Vernon!
I hope you're right with the dry summer 🤞☀️
Not too dry ! Haha
You and nick are doing a great job the sheep are looking great .the weather has to get better at some point hope it's sooner rather than later.
Yes we are patiently waiting for the weather to actually help things for once
wishing you both well as you try and work through these conditions .
Thank you very much. Xx
Iblike your vidios thete raw and real .
Show the ups and frowns ,and downs .
Cheers to you both .
Thank you Nancy xx
Hi Joanna,
Looks like you've got yourself a bit of a mud bath there on the farm. Keep smiling though, summer is not far away...😀👍🏻
Thank you Eddie
Good to see Nick and you again. Looks like your campsite is pretty full. Wish we'd get some of that rain here. Stay ahead of the game, peace out.
Thank you , we had a busy couple of weekends with camping , but it is quiet midweek
weather getting better just lovely clip of you holding hands love in the mud take care you two looking forward to some lambs Rx
Thank you Richard ,
I was getting nick to pull me up the hill 😂😂
We’ve actually managed a week without having the fields (completely) flooded! Every horse shoe print is full of water so can’t walk from one end of a field to the other without getting wet, but we’re get there! Birds are starting to sing and heat in the sun when it appears! We’re supposed to have a hotter than normal summer thanks to El Niño but i think it’s going to be a drought… good for hay making though!😁😆🤦♂
It’s really wet again here 😪 yeah I think it could end up being really dry. Seen it before like this !!
Yeah a bit of warmth in the sun is lush. We don’t see enough of that yellow ball of fire
Excellent video again thanks for sharing keep your chin up when the beautiful little lambs start coming it will be all worth it
Thank you Terry ❤️
keep your chin up joanna the rain will stop one day and as you say you watch summer be a hot dry one --i was going the long way round to work because all the country lanes were flooded last week ---the sheep are looking well take care
Thank you Alan, I looked forward to getting a farming tan and some nice warm days doing work in the fields then winter misery will be a distant memory
On wet days its tough.
On good days its enjoyable.
It will be worth it if u both enjoy it and get a good holiday from it.
Nick seems to thrive on the farm. I dont know finance is but maybe a shed for wintering or lower stock numbers again. Ye are doin a great job. Hope the sun shines soon. ❤
Thank you Damien ! Hopeful for a better spell of weather and maybe this last 12 months can languish in history as one of the shit times of horrible challenging weather!!
I think we will definitely invest in some stone feeding areas , probably make a start on some key areas in the autumn
Thanks for sharing! Hope to visit your campsite one day!
Thank you! You would be most welcome
Hi Joanna great video again thanks, is it the same place blue skies and sunshine 🌞, then back to miserable weather. It's not just you at the moment feeling despondent i feel for all the farmers at the moment it must be heartbreaking with all the fields under water. We all need some sunshine and warmth to make us feel better. To your credit it may be muddy but the sheep 🐑 look well,thanks again for your honesty and wearing your heart on your sleeve. Just remember when it gets tough your dad is watching over you and is very proud. Thanks again take care and stay safe 👍 😊.
Thank you kelvin , I hope that soon we will get plenty more uplifting days. Today here has been better , after a couple of terrible days rain, sleet and everything!! It’s been horrible constantly struggling in the mud but I do hope it will have a fast turnaround
The damp weather is good for your complexion! Nice yo see Bambi and Nibbles and Wally ?
Thank you🥰
Amazing,how do you keep up with the work and a brill video as well and enjoyed a look at the wall ….praying for a few dry days and it’ll be finished. Then on to the next one!!😊
Thank you Andy and Anna! Been a bit wild weather the last couple of days😪
It looks a difficult time at the moment, however the best sign that you are doing the best for your sheep is the fantastic scanning percentage. If i were choosing which parts of the enterprise to increase or remove i would lose the cows, they have such a slow turnover and the return from the breed is very little. They seem to need water in summer, and winter. Could you house the sheep a week earlier to ease the grazing pressure a little, it will be a big relief to see them off the grass? Store lamb trade still good if you want to see the little ones away. Keep up the good work
Thanks Graham. Yeah I do think about lots of different scenarios , I guess with the cattle there’s the fact we enjoy having them ( on the whole ) and while it’s a labour … I think it’s because I love having livestock ! It’s in my blood perhaps xx
Stick with it yes its tuff and we all question what we b doing from time 2 time but if farming is in your blood l think its there good your doing great
Thank you very much xxx
Hi you's pair. Keep you heads up and keep marching. Same weather here in North Ireland or maybe worse. I have just finished lambing Ped. Suffolks and mommy's and lamb's still housed. In sense start of December. But they are happy in side and doing well. Only issues with my lot this year and with some other early lambing farmers in this area over here was Mastitis in the alders. Maybe the wet autumn and winter caused it. But soldier on and fight the battle. Your doing all you can well. Keep up the good work. Spring is just round the corner. Rab
Hope your lambs and ewes are going well! It’s a bit better here but still so cold!!
@@DaleFarm yes lambs doing fine. On the creep meal. Could have a few up to weight for the Easter sale. Ewes and lambs are all free and roaming the fields on the grass with the option to return to the lambing house for shelter and dry bedding.
❤️ love hearing the birds singing. The cattle are really wooly looking. The Highland cattle are made for bad weather. Have you tried Crystal Licks buckets fer the sheep. I watch loads of sheep videos and most use the Crytal links for the Ewes before and after lambing.
Hi Ronald, thank you yes I love to hear the birds. We use similar buckets to crystalyx yes !!
Hang on in there onward and upward
Thank you ❤️
I think this is the hardest moth of the year, too far back to remeber summer and spring not yet sprung. It will get better.
Yeah it’s hard when the weather continues to be rubbish
Great video again. Keep up the good work Spring is coming. Weather is same here in Ireland hard to get 2 dry days together.
Thank you Declan, yeah we had a better few days this week , we worked on our campsite project a lot of hours , even a bit of drizzle better than wind and pouring rain but been pelting down with rain the last 2 days and now we are back to standing in water on the fields
When does your lambing start Joanna hope it dry up for you and Nick @ the sheep 👍👍👍
April we start ❤️
Hi Joanna. I think we are all fed up of this wet weather but that is our climate unfortunately. I’m more of a hobby farmer I guess as I have a full time job but I only keep enough sheep that the land can handle over the winter. I have 50 ewe lambs on 12 acres and it keeps them going on grass over the winter. Even in the really wet times the fields don’t get muddy and I don’t have to get feed for them. Much less work too. Maybe if you just kept enough ewes for the land over the winter it would be less headaches and would be more enjoyable work. During the summer you could make hay/silage and sell it or put more animals on it to eat up the grass. It might be a better balance and would give you more time to earn money in another way that is more enjoyable for you and Nick.
There definitely has to be an easier way but I guess deep down maybe I don’t want to change much here at the moment in terms of what we do x
Definitely need to consider it tho for the future
Is it possible to mitigate against mud by creating permanent hardstanding feeding areas?
Next question. Can you put land drains in?
The lane with trees, walls and a small stream is beautiful. You could hire it out as a film location. Bit of diversification.
We definitely need to invest in the hard standing feed areas. Cash flow is a concern but we can cost it up and make a start on the most important areas first
I understand your feelings on farming as it is now,the Welsh farmers are fighting hard to save their livelihood,It will be hard going, as they are up against a government that don’t want farms and import our food.Stupidity at its best.But I have faith in the British farmers and I have faith in you 100%.Take care both.
Thank you Elwyn , yes the farmers have to fight x
It's the wettest I've ever known it here in South West ireland. The rivers are up for long stretches and the fields are flooded
It’s been a long time of wet hasn’t it
Yes Joanna the weather will get you down. But I got to say your sheep look fantastic clean and fat. You must be doing something right!
Thank you that’s a very nice thing to say
Usually things even out very wet fall /winter here,so I’m expecting a dry spring/summer.
I think so
As someone who lives in a completely different climate, I'm wonder if adding sand around the area where you keep the feeder would help. We have lots of sand on our property and I do think it helps a bit when things get muddy. I just really sympathize when conditions are miserable and there might be options that could help. Either way, lovely sheep and farm ❤️❤️
We think that the best plan is to create some stone feeding areas in every field !
I don’t know how sand would work but it’s an idea !!
❤
Joanna, you’re Dad would be so proud of you and Nick doing your best every day but it looks like we must all cut back on numbers of animals due to weather pressures.....you might make more money with less.❤
❤️❤️
we have had more rain than snow this year been cold but hardly no snow hugssss
I like snow more than rain!
It's difficult to stay positive when it's cold and wet all the time, but self-doubt is a positive.
Yeah, I know it's a difficult sell.
Nobody ever improved their situation without the intelligence that fosters self-doubt.
I'm now officially Californian :-)
Maybe California would suit me ! Hehe! Congrats!!!
Yeah cold and wet isn’t fun x
just coming to the end of summer here in NZ had two nights of gentle rain and could not tell you when it rained last - lawns are brown - when does lambing start?
Lambing April here for us xx
Dig a big pond if you think we in for a draught
It’s an idea !!
have you ever seen Sandi Brock you tube videos she does it all inside cuz here in Canada coyotes are every where and she still has issues and some times she is so wanting to quit but she butts on and she gets it done maybe you could have some indoor sheep and outdoor sheep so you can have a bit of a change ???? hugsssss
Factory farming is a completely different way of life and is mainly done to produce more lambs faster and for the get to weight faster. Also when she first let these old sheep go outside they were scared to leave the shelter of the barn. While sandi is doing her best on the welfare side of things and was keeping the barn understocked to what Canadian law says can fit in. I honestly don't think any animals should be locked under a roof for their whole life
I do agree , I think animals should be outdoors where possible. It makes me sad when they spend their life inside.
I'm sure your Dad told you from the start that farming is a series of highs and lows. Tough at times but absolute satisfaction to balance those. You are seemingly a strong team but the campsite is a job in its self so how about hiring some help as needed?
Thank you! Yes he definitely stressed that it’s not easy and we understand that!
We get help to run the campsite on the busy months , we couldn’t do it all just the two of us when it’s lambing etc and school holidays the Campsite is demanding there’s not enough hours in the day
I'm glad you do this & I understand the rewards like new lambs & beautiful days & swimming in a cold river. I also think the system is sort of rigged against farmers and the ultimate consumers. You are paid far too little, & I think we pay a little too much. I applaud you for diversifying, but part of me thinks you shouldn't really have to. I grew up on a small acreage with cattle & an occasional sheep. My Dad's regular job supported that farm. We had many winters like yours, and not a few times I got a wet stocking accidentally pulling my foot out of a rubber boot stuck in too-deep mud. Then the next summer, we'd pray that rain would come before the well went dry or a fire started. But, again, the rewards were life-enhancing: delivering a live calf or having a beer with my Dad while sitting on the hay at sunset are memories I'd never trade. I'd never blame you for doing something else, but part of me really hopes you hang in there. Sorry for the long, rambling, nostalgic post.
Yeah there are many amazing moments to experience on a farm but plenty of challenges too and you recognise both sides of it !! We are definitely over due some better times it’s a miserable struggle over a prolonged wet spell. X
3:01: i hope you don't have any serious plans of giving the whole thing up. what would you do then? and the robin's singing for you 4:03
Maybe go and do what I’m doing now … but somewhere else !! Some place with more sunshine
@@DaleFarmbe careful what you wish for, you might get too much sunshine. drought is no good either;-)
Its the morning after the day before,
And the morning before the day tomorrow
Which day is it ?
Not sure !!
I never know what day it is haha
Time to jump in the cold troughs how about your fella joining you ha ha
I haven’t done than for a while !
Looks wet yous to .hay just thinking if you have a set place you like to feed the sheep and that and its getting wet and boggie in winter .what about this summer mybe get a price on some 40 mm rock or railway ballast rock just to put down around were the feeding aria i dont know what it woud cost but just an idia ok yep its a tuf game farming but just pace your self id rather be doing that then a 5 till 5 job answering to some boss haha ok youll both be rite ok stay warm nice vid be safe
Yeah I definitely think the way forward is to have stone feeding areas in every field
Some sheep. Say.if Feb March bad good sumer
I hope so!!
WHAT ABOUT A SUPPLY OF MOLASSES TO GIVE YOUR EWES ENERGY AFTER THEY HAVE GIVEN BIRTH?
We have molasses yes ✔️
I get the feeling that you are fraying at the edges a bit and who can blame you. It must be hard on you mentally and physically and testing on your relationships. Hopefully this coming year won’t be as bad as 23/24. If this is going to be the format moving forward perhaps a cut in livestock numbers and expand the campsite or diversify into something entirely different? I get the vibe that you two have an amazing cv and the ability to take on anything. Really depressed the way farmers are getting dumped on by the present Government and I would say Labour would not be much better. Hoping that the weather breaks and you get a bit of much earned sun on your backs x.
Yeah I feel overwhelmed quite often tbh!!
It’s hard to juggle everything, work life can totally take over and then I lose perspective too! And a small break from routine can do so much good, we are in a fairly sensitive position since dad died, hopefully it will get better and easier x
Head says kill the empties heart say 1 more chance
Yeah 👍
CLear out the barn of all the rubbish and bring them all in😅
😂 maybe