Following several months of research, and a couple of socially distanced visits, we chose Red Ruby Devons to start our new herd. We were very lucky to have support from the Devon Cattle Breeders Society, who kindly put us in touch with the Ebbesbourne Herd nr Salisbury. 

On the 14th January we took delivery of 3 in-calf heifers, a 6th calver cow, and 2 bulling heifers. The heifers are in- calf to a Tillbrook Polled bull; and we are looking forward to seeing what the calves look like; as our preference would be for a polled herd.

Having not owned ay animals since 2001, Dad and I have spent some time getting to grip with the BCMS, and were disapointed that we had to be given a new herd number; but nevermind new herd- new number!

All cattle are settled in, and within a week are used to us walking in the pen. The heifers are due middle of February, and the cow in March.  Fingers crossed for some nice heifers calves.

Our plans are to produce excellent quality, 100% grass fed, beef that we want to eat, and hopefully others will too.

We moved back to the farm in July 2020 (during lock down!), and were very lucky to have the builders start on site almost immeadiately. The scaffolding went up first, and the lath and plaster ceiling came down second.

The roof needed new rafters in places, 3 new chimneys, new facia boards, and new leadwork. We used a local builder, well known to us who has helped with projects on the farm over the years. They did a fabulous job, including some very clever brickwork on the chimneys. The roof was fully finished in early October.

The internal work was complex and too much longer! Once we had a dry top/roof, then we set about making the house safe, and warm. The electrics were installed in 1958 and had never been updated, and the only source of heating was a small rayburn, and some very old electric heaters.

To make this happen, we had to draw up the vision for the finished house- although many years away - which was not easy.

The ceilings came down first- downstairs, for the new wiring and heating pipes. Then new land drains were added to the rear of the house to remove any ground water. Radiators were added throughout the house, run by a new plant room in the old cellar.

By October we had heating upstairs, hot water and a dry flagstone floor. The plastering continues, and the new windows are booked. 

Look out for future Blogs...