A lot has happened at Rawston Farm since I wrote at the end of April. We have been through two heatwaves, with temperatures across the country breaking all-time records. Working in these conditions has not been pleasant for anyone, but thank goodness for air conditioning in modern tractors, otherwise it would be like sitting in a greenhouse all day. The cattle do not enjoy the heat either, and we try to make sure they have access to shade from trees. Some dairy farmers are now bringing their milking cows into buildings and using fans to help keep them cool. It may be something we have to consider at Rawston if these heatwaves become a regular part of the summer.
We have managed two cuts of silage for our winter feed. We have also made some hay, making the most of the fine weather while avoiding the need to wrap the bales in plastic, as dry hay does not require it. Our cereal harvest is now very close, with the intense heat rapidly ripening the crops, meaning harvest will be a few weeks earlier than normal.
All images:
James Cossins
Off the farm
June is always a busy month, with agricultural shows, farm walks and demonstration events such as Cereals 2026, which this year was hosted by Jeremy Clarkson at his Diddly Squat Farm. I was lucky enough to attend on the first day (the second day was rather washed out and very muddy). There were countless stands, with plant breeders showcasing their latest seed varieties and most of the machinery manufacturers displaying their newest – and very expensive – equipment. We currently use a seed drill that was made in Herefordshire, but discovered at the event that the company has been bought by a Polish manufacturer and that spare parts will probably now come from Poland. There were sales staff from Poland on hand who reassured me that parts for our drill would still be readily available, which was encouraging. The Cereals event also featured the Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition, adding a bit of entertainment to the day.
I also attended a health and safety event organised by NFU Dorset at the old Kingston Maurward, now Coastland College. There was a good mix of students, farmers and experienced farm workers, all looking to refresh their knowledge of farm health and safety. Agriculture continues to have a poor safety record, with around 30 deaths each year – more than any other industry.
We had a very informative morning covering a range of subjects. Keeping ourselves fit and healthy in order to remain mentally and physically alert was highlighted as a priority, as was carrying out risk assessments for the many different tasks we undertake each day. Simply taking a moment to stop and check everything before starting work is very important.
Interestingly, walkers using public footpaths, particularly those with dogs, were identified as a significant risk where cows with calves are present. The advice, if you genuinely fear for your safety, is to let go of your dog. Cattle see your dog as the greater threat, and will usually follow it, allowing you to reach safety. The dog will generally find its own way out.
We also received an update on the latest laws affecting tractors and combines on the road. Overall, it was a worthwhile event and, hopefully, one that helps us all get through harvest without incident.
Just take a few moments to think about the risks involved and stay safe.
The drying of the Tarrant
With the extreme weather conditions we have experienced so far this year, there is once again concern in the Tarrant Valley about the condition of the stream. Back in February we were worried about flooding in most of the Tarrant villages. Now, we are already seeing the top and bottom sections dry up. Tarrant Monkton still has water flowing through the ford, but Tarrant Keyneston is dry. Here at Rawston we still have water, but we now have a considerable number of landlocked fish with nowhere to go. Hopefully the Environment Agency will carry out fish rescues and return them to the River Stour.
The situation appears to be getting worse each year, with the stream drying up earlier every summer. I appreciate that changing rainfall patterns are part of the problem, but I am sure increased water extraction by Wessex Water at Shapwick and Sturminster Marshall has not helped. The River Tarrant Protection Society has carried out a considerable amount of research into the drying of the river and its impact on wildlife, and is urgently seeking talks with both the Environment Agency and Wessex Water to see what can be done before even more sections disappear.
We are now busy preparing for harvest at Rawston, with the grain stores ready and the machinery fully serviced. Let’s hope for a safe and productive harvest, with as little grain drying as possible.
If you’d like to try some reared-by-James Rawston Farm beef, do visit the butchery and farm shop.
See rawstonfarmbutchery.co.uk
