It’s peak season on the farm. The lads were out mowing until dusk last night, and today are busy making silage. Hay is likely on the cards for next week. After a très bon spring for grass growth, the recent rain has given everything a fresh boost. The fields are lush, the herd is content, and we’re just about keeping up with it all. A happy sort of chaos.

Our water harvesting system, which dried up in May, is now back to cheerfully half-full, and will be used to keep the animals watered in the yard and fields.

We sent 6,000L of last year’s cider off to Somerset on Tuesday for packaging. This means it’s also now time for scrubbing tanks and sterilising pipes, ready for filling again in the autumn. A humbling reminder that cider making is pretty much 20% apple play and 80% washing up.

Meanwhile, the RunBrighton team are out putting up signs and marking the route for our fun run on Saturday. There are still a few spots left if you fancy stretching your legs - or if running is not your thing, just come along to enjoy the music, cider and burgers in the sunshine. No need to book if you're not running - just turn up and tuck in. More information here.

Hope to see you in the yard on Saturday,

Rachel