As I write this, it is the middle of August and our cows are enjoying the long summer days at grass. The calves are growing well and the grass is beginning to respond to the heavier morning dews that this month brings.  Our thoughts are now turned to collecting in the silage bales and hay which we made earlier in the summer.  We are also cleaning out the buildings and making minor improvements to accommodation in preparation for housing the cattle towards October, or when inclement conditions dictate.

 The hedges are laden with blackberries, probably two or three weeks earlier than usual and our children have been displaying the usual give-away purple stains that mysteriously appear on their faces and tops at this time of year.  We have wild deer that pass through the farm and they have sneakily been making the best of the sweet after-grass that grows following harvest.  Richard has gone out late again this evening as we have two cows whose calving is imminent and he is always anxious to be on hand.