We have seen some extraordinary events this week. Not least at the Hollywood festival of self adulation where high praise is poured upon ordinary people for just doing their jobs quite well.

Events on the farm are currently leaving me feeling like Chris Rock as Will Smith approached. I am wondering what is happening and what might be next and how bad it might be.

We have had an extraordinary spring so far. The days have been so sunny, long and warm. Indeed, I would call it a mini heat wave as the temperature has been well above expected. The crops have enjoyed this greatly and have flourished, putting on lots of fresh lush growth. The weather this weekend will most certainly give them a slap in the face as frosts of -3C and lower are forecast. Most unwelcome.

Progress on the farm has been steady over the past week or two. There seemed little need to rush. All the spring cereals have been drilled and are about the emerge, some growth regulators have been applied to the forward wheats and the fertiliser plan is up to date. Time has even been found for frivolous activities such as demos of seed drills and a field or two of contract drilling.

Fertiliser spreading used to be a relatively stress-free pastime. However, this season it is anything but. I purchased fertiliser at various prices within the range of £265 to £620 per ton. Fortunately, mostly at the lower levels. Recent events are still causing further price hikes, if you can find available product. So, every time the fertiliser spreader is filled the cash register is clicking around at incredible speed. I have taken great care to ensure the spreader is properly calibrated and spreading accurately. I also like to spread the fertiliser just before rain, so it is washed in and not allowed to sit around on the soil surface where losses may occur. Fertiliser is a highly valuable input and it is vital to use it to best effect.

I have also managed to source 600t of chicken muck that has been spread on a growing crop of wheat at 15t per ha. I will be closely monitoring this crop and hope that it will not need much fertiliser. This will then give me the opportunity to carry over a tonnage of fertiliser to next season. I have never previously applied muck to a growing crop. Some of the crop has been covered but I hope it will find its way through or around the muck.

Elsewhere on the farm, we had our Visit England audit for the self-catering holiday let’s and once again confirmed our 4 star gold rating. The assessor was pleased to see just how good the cottages looked after 10 years. This of course involves constant maintenance and improvement.

Just this week we have replaced 1 kettle, 1 toaster, 2 coffee machines, 1 shower fitting and 1 radiator. I have also replaced one housekeeper. In all cases I hope the upgrades will be more efficient.

Stay safe and well

John