The big news from the farm this week is that calving has officially begun. We’ve welcomed 15 fresh faced and wobbly legged calves into the fields out of an expected 70, and they're arriving at a pace to keep Nev on his toes.

Whilst calving is always an affirming and exciting experience, this year’s field harvest has been a rather humbling one. We managed to bring in 49 bales of second-cut silage off 30 acres this this week, when we'd usually expect to see over 130.

This story is a common one, and Sussex is doing better than other counties right now as we have had some rain. A lorry driver from Dorset stopped in this morning and remarked that our grass looks greener than the fields around them. It’s a small comfort to know we’re not alone, but the reality will mean both straw and hay are in short supply and we can expect to see prices hiking up again when our stocks run short.

The cattle are unfazed and seem in fine fettle out in the fields, and we hope to be able to keep them out for longer this summer as the ground is so dry, so that is something to relish.

Our second summer market is next Saturday, and the countdown is officially on. There's something rather magical about gathering as a community, sharing great food, and celebrating what we grow and create here in Sussex. We’re looking forward to welcoming you all back for another day of delicious food, live music, and good times.

Please tell your friends, family and neighbours - the more the merrier! Come for the local food, stay for the Silly Moo Cider, and leave with a full belly and something delicious to take home.

Ciao for now,

Rachel