Good morning,

Things are feeling good on the farm at the moment. The daffodils are looking decisively jubilant, there is early blossom on some of the trees and wild garlic is carpeting patches of ground leading up to the yard.

The soil is dry enough to drive on so we’ve been rolling the ground ahead of mowing this week, and we’ve been spreading farmyard muck on some of the fields. There is even talk of getting the first of the cows out in a few days, which is well ahead of last year. Farmers can be a grumbly bunch, but, other than the dispiriting news about the SFI scheme, there is much to be cheerful about at the moment. Early morning frosts are giving way to warm, blue skied days, the grass is growing and there is an enthusiasm in the air that tends to be saved especially for this time of year - when things waking up, calves are being born and spring has well and truly sprung.

In keeping with this theme, we have 3 Sussex Morris groups - Mythago Mythago, Box Hill Bedlam & Black Swan - joining us in the yard on Saturday to celebrate tomorrow’s equinox and encourage a good apple harvest this autumn with a jolly good apple howling. You can expect vibrant garms and bell-ringing - as well as the usual burgers, cider & wholesome merriment aplenty. It’s free to join and you can pre-order a burger here.

We hope to see you in the sunshine soon,

Rachel