tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2146761702640198242024-03-13T06:01:53.867+00:00Smallholding: Pleasure or ProfitHello, my name is Angela and I run a Smallholding / Market Garden here in South Norfolk, UK. Follow my journey - my trials, tribulations, failures, successes, achievements and disappointments. Feel free to comment on anything you feel you need to!Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-16420051411638629462015-03-13T11:12:00.001+00:002015-03-13T11:13:45.186+00:00Hello, I'm backHello everyone. The blog is back!<br />
<br />
Last year was a disaster on a number of counts and I got very disillusioned with the whole smallholding/gardening/better life/blogging scenario. Farmers markets were tried and not a success, farmgate sales weren't any better, so I basically gave up. So much so that we have had no winter veg this this year at all, apart from potatoes and onions and a few carrots. Hubby has not been pleased to have been buying veg all winter.<br />
<br />
Anyway that was last year. I'm pleased to say things are back to normal again now, probably better actually. I have renewed vigour and enthusiasm and the garden is looking all the better for it. This is because I am having to follow a gluten free diet; that change has been overwhelming for me in terms of the amount of energy I have, the enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in more than I think I've ever had. Its fab!<br />
<br />
So onwards and upwards. I've got lots of ideas of things I want to change/improve/do on the smallholding so I hope you'll stick with me as I go through them. Please feel free to comment on anything you feel you need to - I always look forward to reading your comments.<br />
<br />
A few photos to see how things have changed/improved etc -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW8q1tjtuNtpGAdFlY_EHlEd8x3uAw04ZjMRw3Lebvl1qTyTdFal2E3wywtpKnReoxx_LMBSCSCfHowMZbd1g9TQfn2vZKl8C7qB2EtzBvdwmeFdMSmsB2jPMg-nBi6KCx8GP3J-7WIdO/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW8q1tjtuNtpGAdFlY_EHlEd8x3uAw04ZjMRw3Lebvl1qTyTdFal2E3wywtpKnReoxx_LMBSCSCfHowMZbd1g9TQfn2vZKl8C7qB2EtzBvdwmeFdMSmsB2jPMg-nBi6KCx8GP3J-7WIdO/s1600/067.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The polytunnel at the moment - Spring cabbages and overwintered salads on the left hand side. More salads, radishes etc on the right. Rest of right hand side bed is first early potatoes, put in a fortnight ago</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfqRGxFJKLh9J8Xmx64G4YH2Bf5XKYzqrbm_CsFEmKqQgFpRZ3nXZkCdeUMOMYR4VoUktD0Wq-DwoZv4xIKB4UTNqYUwRD7lyKCBWNIyzUJeiZVbYAPPGEaGZoN-9k64VdeCY_t9MFIBN/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfqRGxFJKLh9J8Xmx64G4YH2Bf5XKYzqrbm_CsFEmKqQgFpRZ3nXZkCdeUMOMYR4VoUktD0Wq-DwoZv4xIKB4UTNqYUwRD7lyKCBWNIyzUJeiZVbYAPPGEaGZoN-9k64VdeCY_t9MFIBN/s1600/068.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overwintered salads, and seed trays full of flowers, leeks etc</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5nvWLxVGve2KaXUegzAVCI9OwYjQjk9_7UpeE0XZcVj15WV8AoMZlJJTlsZWKguw_i1wfgO7LwR8LiTiYrLqTmZEBvzPw9gqnpt7qADayVc3xE_TnnQCqb2Qfy91gwl2OaEfFU51mA-E/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5nvWLxVGve2KaXUegzAVCI9OwYjQjk9_7UpeE0XZcVj15WV8AoMZlJJTlsZWKguw_i1wfgO7LwR8LiTiYrLqTmZEBvzPw9gqnpt7qADayVc3xE_TnnQCqb2Qfy91gwl2OaEfFU51mA-E/s1600/070.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peas under the cloches, the rest dug over and muck applied. Only a small (weed-infested) piece left to dig over (top left)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa3a-XoL3hon1NHUN362uoyISMe3YZquT8Jn2nsOcolbkmoNk9SjCigx2Do5FD6vS_r-9Og1yESBOeZiz_4AEUOlVIUOe5vwCFroBBAaJBGjgpa__oAoayE2lDye_Mi0S_f58nF_FDagv/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa3a-XoL3hon1NHUN362uoyISMe3YZquT8Jn2nsOcolbkmoNk9SjCigx2Do5FD6vS_r-9Og1yESBOeZiz_4AEUOlVIUOe5vwCFroBBAaJBGjgpa__oAoayE2lDye_Mi0S_f58nF_FDagv/s1600/071.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking back towards the house. Fabric fleece over some more spring cabbages, that aren't doing very well and so will get pulled up. Canes are in for my Carnations</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-17wY8ZcJmjtfpdlc_KngTHA-S6eGjc_FF63RtqXu69ddDlA41BAzcywhXVzNtIw_8TTzUOk83EhqrYo6ApH7B4zfjm_2eHeqJY22-bRRbdYEwUgMzEZLp2iJ47exTaENptS3cB-zENf/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-17wY8ZcJmjtfpdlc_KngTHA-S6eGjc_FF63RtqXu69ddDlA41BAzcywhXVzNtIw_8TTzUOk83EhqrYo6ApH7B4zfjm_2eHeqJY22-bRRbdYEwUgMzEZLp2iJ47exTaENptS3cB-zENf/s1600/072.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Garlic growing very well, despite only going in a fortnight ago</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4atQ40Vngb6qiViT3wSAf_eb1PFU9K1LvG_o2RiTtZY9tNQnRLx6Wld4ExMaXTd2WjX1hqVUzfVK0BggTJkdrMxn2CqMJGK9WeokHqm6jQDR_uVVPDD0ynSs6M36bPdS9Bl5osoY9YuE/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4atQ40Vngb6qiViT3wSAf_eb1PFU9K1LvG_o2RiTtZY9tNQnRLx6Wld4ExMaXTd2WjX1hqVUzfVK0BggTJkdrMxn2CqMJGK9WeokHqm6jQDR_uVVPDD0ynSs6M36bPdS9Bl5osoY9YuE/s1600/073.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The 'new' veg patch. Daffodils in the foreground</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMOVkFKbI9j6pQ2yeYlguBC32i6FjIlBXOic7OWccMjfbdeYcyqApM7Y7vGMjloBj00J_t_iNjqAN3HBQ9cEBrKXW1jNeM54CuXGnmpDK2goql7pzwhM9hQI4HunXQ5pbHMLiVUN-l027/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMOVkFKbI9j6pQ2yeYlguBC32i6FjIlBXOic7OWccMjfbdeYcyqApM7Y7vGMjloBj00J_t_iNjqAN3HBQ9cEBrKXW1jNeM54CuXGnmpDK2goql7pzwhM9hQI4HunXQ5pbHMLiVUN-l027/s1600/074.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The patch being cultivated. All poultry houses are now in this bit - two chicken houses (one currently empty and waiting for the new arrivals, hopefully at the end of the month) and one duck hut</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQQwo6kv76dn-pZl7PGWLsKqeKNYFT4I2DFXogKgKZk0iW9p44s_hHnQJ-oCxmaLr1ALFTJW_UTWsOH1-0Tx7BT1iBO3XZTwt1xH7Fh_bfBIDllonNu-eLUU2DFbsUgOwcHtu19XVUIsQ/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQQwo6kv76dn-pZl7PGWLsKqeKNYFT4I2DFXogKgKZk0iW9p44s_hHnQJ-oCxmaLr1ALFTJW_UTWsOH1-0Tx7BT1iBO3XZTwt1xH7Fh_bfBIDllonNu-eLUU2DFbsUgOwcHtu19XVUIsQ/s1600/075.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubby's cultivating equipment! </div>
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-57666677031035595392014-03-03T18:31:00.001+00:002014-03-03T18:31:55.938+00:00Mycoplasma in chickensHaving lost one of my Exchequer Leghorn hens last week to this horrible disease I decided to do a bit of research.<br />
<br />
I noticed that said hen had developed an abscess on the side of her face just under her eye, which had caused her eye to close completely, and was utterly blind on that side. I left her for a few days to see if it would clear up of its own accord, but come Monday it hadn't got any better so sought veterinary help.<br />
<br />
An injection of antibiotics was given and another appointment booked for three days after. It was on the second visit that I was given the bad news. <br />
<br />
'It's a highly contagious disease,' the vet said, 'one that if the hen gets over it, will cause her to be a carrier of the disease for the rest of her life and then obviously infect the rest of your flock. The hen will not be as strong and fit and she was previously, considerably a poor doer, and therefore may not lay any eggs. I think the only cause of treatment would be to euthanaise. Sorry!' he said.<br />
<br />
Well I was stunned as you can imagine and came away from the vets with a doomed chicken in my cat basket.<br />
<br />
I pondered the pros and cons all afternoon, until Hubby came home and we discussed it. The outcome being that it would be no life for her if she was 'not quite right' for the rest of her days, and I didn't want to risk the health of the rest of the flock. So unfortunately she was put down.<br />
<br />
The disease is one that affects the respiratory tract and immune system, swollen sinuses are typical of the disease - see pic below. It can also affect the kidneys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2xglTX2jCQ_-UwpWD9ZHjQ2Im7Nky5PI3Fd8ZU2k36OISjcRMG8-Cr1gvitHmedd9RFhFNrBrxY6Y1nKNCgh_dDC09nsZ3Zf5QmFkGhl5wXx6qnMADPQZm4yHsSanQZi65HkJFOW5DdB/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2xglTX2jCQ_-UwpWD9ZHjQ2Im7Nky5PI3Fd8ZU2k36OISjcRMG8-Cr1gvitHmedd9RFhFNrBrxY6Y1nKNCgh_dDC09nsZ3Zf5QmFkGhl5wXx6qnMADPQZm4yHsSanQZi65HkJFOW5DdB/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDA6pZWwMVUeXzu0Pqg141xsMHIZaRo-GwWcgiULiRF9zzS3GVRzJctVpCGKc_e5WOO1Eq8t4TXuLv4DQx94nC5pEHRJ_1USIckIxSgzycyKVN8mjfCXsII4Rmwc7IbfWfnu1FFXhZ7w6/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDA6pZWwMVUeXzu0Pqg141xsMHIZaRo-GwWcgiULiRF9zzS3GVRzJctVpCGKc_e5WOO1Eq8t4TXuLv4DQx94nC5pEHRJ_1USIckIxSgzycyKVN8mjfCXsII4Rmwc7IbfWfnu1FFXhZ7w6/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Not very attractive, I think you'l agree.<br />
<br />
The disease affects chickens, ducks, turkeys and wild birds, so take care if wild birds can get access to your drinkers, feeders etc as the disease can also last on these implements for a couple of hours too. Stress i.e. moving birds into the flock, new housing, weather changes, changes in diet, is a major factor in this disease erupting.<br />
<br />
Basic hygiene and welfare standards are paramount in the control of this disease. Vaccination is possible, but only available in large doses, so would be expensive. Veterinary treatment with antibiotics is possible, but with the outcome as described above.<br />
<br />
A sad day, but everyone else (touching wood), is fine.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
Sales = 1/2 dozen eggs £1.00<br />
1 bunch of Daffodils £0.50<br />
Expenses = nil<br />
Eggs produced = 5Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-45366816665097515802014-03-02T19:44:00.002+00:002014-03-02T19:44:37.834+00:00To chit or not to chitNow having bought some seed potatoes from the Potato day (see my earlier post), I only had a week to chit them before I was planting the other, previously bought and chitted first early seed potatoes. So it made me wonder if chitting really mattered. What is chitting anyway?<br />
<br />
Essentially chitting is sprouting, exposing the seed potato to light so that shoots develop, it is the start of growth for the seed potato. Green shoots as opposed to white shoots are preferable as these are stronger, white shoots are very brittle. This process gives the seed potato a head start, before going in the ground, it also means that potato crops will be ready earlier; it is in fact an ageing process. Chits are the stems of the new plant, off of which your new crop of seed potatoes will grow.<br />
<br />
To chit your seed potatoes they need to be laid out in a cool, well lit room, with their eyes, or small sprouts upper most, to let the chits grow strong and green. Different varieties produce chits at different rates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkZte4zS0EHCGrZbUqHChsi_S9JPwRSX_W2YEovgaWkxgViGsbYg1bu01QhZbH7fzcsjaQa64WZyf6RK55Q6m3y33WuvjCtHH_kN8EmbOdhJBhHKMaIrIyA5dzuxf94KrkcwNxz5Kh-l/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkZte4zS0EHCGrZbUqHChsi_S9JPwRSX_W2YEovgaWkxgViGsbYg1bu01QhZbH7fzcsjaQa64WZyf6RK55Q6m3y33WuvjCtHH_kN8EmbOdhJBhHKMaIrIyA5dzuxf94KrkcwNxz5Kh-l/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There is some school of thought that chitting is not necessary, in fact a warmer soil temperature will do more good, and therefore not age the potato prematurely.<br />
<br />
Another idea is to rub off any more than two sprouts that appear, this then doesn't overwhelm or stress the tuber unnecessarily. This tends to lead to less potatoes in number, but bigger tubers.<br />
<br />
It's interesting to find out why these things are done, even if it's just to find out that that is the way it's done, end of story. I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome of the chitted tubers versus the only a week old chitted tubers, yield and size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWjla-UTO7_xEdMqBCtLX38LmHn8Q_ZOTfE7ARiBr6-nAKQtpg6_j7yMEXikcgC_6Dk5uAFd5UcDxEwrypKcofHi8MQasmF2r0rGvSl8-HdOYYNnl4d-UZhSWdSAzjtmGrEPAnBhUAJqb/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWjla-UTO7_xEdMqBCtLX38LmHn8Q_ZOTfE7ARiBr6-nAKQtpg6_j7yMEXikcgC_6Dk5uAFd5UcDxEwrypKcofHi8MQasmF2r0rGvSl8-HdOYYNnl4d-UZhSWdSAzjtmGrEPAnBhUAJqb/s1600/017.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLm5-dKNPPtXDBM3J8gPDRvuOIxPPLNt6hF39GbAFMtAACi-UwoEGSC76ERcajcBivSpVf0yKP5R-NTc9wJ8oaoWSPBkn7Y7whrpH53M8txS8JLLAAGIcC5tEX5H-Dl8H5A1VIE_GriR3/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLm5-dKNPPtXDBM3J8gPDRvuOIxPPLNt6hF39GbAFMtAACi-UwoEGSC76ERcajcBivSpVf0yKP5R-NTc9wJ8oaoWSPBkn7Y7whrpH53M8txS8JLLAAGIcC5tEX5H-Dl8H5A1VIE_GriR3/s1600/018.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chitted tuber, planted with sprout facing upwards</div>
<br />
Will keep you informed when we start to harvest as to yields etc.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
Sales = nil<br />
Expenses = nil<br />
Eggs produced = 7Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-23744973148121134832014-03-01T11:48:00.003+00:002014-03-01T11:48:36.335+00:00February 2014 statsStats for February 2014 are up now -<br />
<br />
Sales -<br />
13 dozen eggs = £22.00<br />
3 bunches Daffodils = £1.50<br />
<br />
Total = £23.50<br />
<br />
Expenses -<br />
Seed potatoes £9.45<br />
<br />
Balance = £14.05<br />
<br />
Expenses balance brought forward = £112.95<br />
New Expenses balance to be paid off = £98.90<br />
<br />
Well that mainly greenhouse expense balance is coming down, bit slow though. Hopefully we can have an early and warm spring, get things growing and producingAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-64894439295027195162014-02-17T20:54:00.000+00:002014-02-17T20:54:00.915+00:00CompostOver the last few days I have been sorting out my compost heaps, a job that here has never really been bothered with much. Sounds crazy I know, considering the amount of plant material that is produced here, especially as I like to follow organic principles as far as I can.<br />
<br />
Which got me to thinking - What actually is Compost?<br />
<br />
I tested the internet with exactly that question and the first answer courtesy of Google was (and I'm quoting here),<br />
'noun - decayed organic material used as a fertiliser for growing plants',<br />
(read organic pertaining to once living, not as in the application/undertaking of organic farming principles)<br />
<br />
'verb - make (vegetable matter or manure) into compost'<br />
<br />
OK, so reading between the lines of those two statements, compost is the effect of decay on plant material and manure, which turns said material into a highly nutritious source of food for currently growing plants.<br />
<br />
That sounds pretty darn good to me, free fertiliser that will help my existing plants grow big, strong and healthy.<br />
<br />
According to www.bonnieplants.com and again I'm quoting here -<br />
'Composting transforms garden and other vegetable waste into a dark, rich productive soil amendment the gardeners call Black Gold'<br />
<br />
So in a way not only is it a form of fertliser/soil conditioner, it is a form of recycling too, and once said compost is incorporated into the soil it immediately improves the condition of that soil - making heavy soils easier to work - loosening them off and giving light soils better water retentive capabilities. All round giving the plants better access to nutrients, therefore increasing the productivity of the soil. WOW!<br />
<br />
So, having turned all three bins, emptying one completely onto the manure pile I noticed that none of my resulting 'compost' looked like 'Black Gold'! One was particularly dry, one particularly wet and the other wasn't too bad, although not quite decomposed enough. More trial and research needed methinks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUkakkO2pLJqa-YV34ohvPDKHCEXsvhoBm7KERfWP4E40uh0TC05myvRfuqYiTahBXKLP6HuBdfksN95FtQEy55wteGAL4Dyq_VOvWXkNYfvLcqD61M5roLRqBWKtVc0yNszKSjkbNkhF/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUkakkO2pLJqa-YV34ohvPDKHCEXsvhoBm7KERfWP4E40uh0TC05myvRfuqYiTahBXKLP6HuBdfksN95FtQEy55wteGAL4Dyq_VOvWXkNYfvLcqD61M5roLRqBWKtVc0yNszKSjkbNkhF/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First one emptied straight onto the manure pile, and yes I had help!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2_k-Ukp-lFtwGU9g-flX98LpOwAAZ-OwVOGAiwtSVgom7G0ALVK72sTszPt-g-AeMA7-2rIVMWRGDi3-EKvOEyRYr57WCC3QUqq38GMzxBYmOx7zGcJaTHYLGgG3w803lEXFdrgGdagG/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2_k-Ukp-lFtwGU9g-flX98LpOwAAZ-OwVOGAiwtSVgom7G0ALVK72sTszPt-g-AeMA7-2rIVMWRGDi3-EKvOEyRYr57WCC3QUqq38GMzxBYmOx7zGcJaTHYLGgG3w803lEXFdrgGdagG/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other two still to go</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb0jNgf9tok6mvpdoJ6DthDVLknpc90_H3syyHvxXFIhw7PjnSZAJ_Y3rogcosjoaVD8uh7hRKa_zu3pRj-PS4HQYf_Z4JgoSd7X9SMkkd4RsDQtiU5DerJuC3YM20lhBXDkWeld9hIMI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb0jNgf9tok6mvpdoJ6DthDVLknpc90_H3syyHvxXFIhw7PjnSZAJ_Y3rogcosjoaVD8uh7hRKa_zu3pRj-PS4HQYf_Z4JgoSd7X9SMkkd4RsDQtiU5DerJuC3YM20lhBXDkWeld9hIMI/s1600/011.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The one that I thought didn't look too bad after turning</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKDIlSLKtDxHep64Ml4CsVtYSlEaBjo7XCVs5xu4IR6t1m-1zdkxxgioKjG480Rxp08VW_mcoy7eeH5Xgd8ZMmosw3VyvqYtbBTFZvD21q2aoLi2ptnazSlXBRip8zc-i3X-WTjVWsdhj/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKDIlSLKtDxHep64Ml4CsVtYSlEaBjo7XCVs5xu4IR6t1m-1zdkxxgioKjG480Rxp08VW_mcoy7eeH5Xgd8ZMmosw3VyvqYtbBTFZvD21q2aoLi2ptnazSlXBRip8zc-i3X-WTjVWsdhj/s1600/013.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As above, but needs a bit longer I think</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-10084299656637022132014-02-13T20:38:00.002+00:002014-02-13T20:38:53.754+00:00This year's potatoes - First earliesWe had already bought a 'net of first early potatoes before I went to the Potato day at Stonham Barns last weekend, so they have sitting, chitting quite happily in the office and are now ready to go in the ground. The variety is Duke of York, a very old, high quality Scottish bred potato. They are an excellent first early, boiling potato, quickly maturing into a good all-round potato as the season progresses. Shall look forward to trying them, can't remember that we've had them before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjB24uQaKrnp6NV30Rqg6cHpkYKJ4cQI1mhcMnnmjfUiznVsG2xjH229MX-EW1dVUk6pLsSP7CIUc73mOIO4RuTCbDWWNmMfVdGSMWPzrqV55L87V9MySN9iKxX5a_vxUBDrl8u9DyPrZ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjB24uQaKrnp6NV30Rqg6cHpkYKJ4cQI1mhcMnnmjfUiznVsG2xjH229MX-EW1dVUk6pLsSP7CIUc73mOIO4RuTCbDWWNmMfVdGSMWPzrqV55L87V9MySN9iKxX5a_vxUBDrl8u9DyPrZ/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Duke of York, first early seed potatoes, chitted</div>
<br />
Potatoes bought from the Potato Day were researched for their high resistance to Common Scab, which on our sandy soil we suffer from quite badly. On entry to the Potato day I purchased - 'A guide to seed potato varieties', by Alan Romans, and it's thanks to him that I was able to do the research, something I've never done before, so I shall be interested to see the outcome.<br />
<br />
Common Scab is a bacterial disease that affects potato tubers particularly in dry soils when the tubers are forming and growing. It doesn't affect the yields of the potatoes, but does affect their saleability, rendering tubers unsightly. We live with it here, but try and get as much manure into the soil and water like mad whilst they are growing to try and alleviate some of the problem.<br />
<br />
Arran Pilot is the other first early I've got, again an old variety, probably classed as Heritage by now. Again a Scottish bred potato, bred by Donald Mackelvie, a potato breeder on the Isle of Arran (hence all 'his' potatoes are pre-fixed Arran). It was hugely popular in the commercial world for approx 30 years, but earlier 'earlies' have taken its place. It's a good boiler, not disintegrating to mush if over-boiled, but sizes do vary. This should be a good variety for me as I do have a tendency to over boil them. Looking forward to tasting these. I may even plant these non-chitted as a trial, to satisfy curiosity and something that I have just read too, but more on that later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-yN46FefhDGau6BBSNgFjfxnseX3tLzQG9cHxhTqeffJjgpLfGBcAAl7TIAyQn4EDK08sN71LHkx2xYagvggQO5GNAZiogc3OhPY5zEgdOSQ0uwROvRGcgIELsz-vVDNA-ux0JUVmptI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-yN46FefhDGau6BBSNgFjfxnseX3tLzQG9cHxhTqeffJjgpLfGBcAAl7TIAyQn4EDK08sN71LHkx2xYagvggQO5GNAZiogc3OhPY5zEgdOSQ0uwROvRGcgIELsz-vVDNA-ux0JUVmptI/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Arran Pilot, first early seed potatoes, un-chitted currently</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stats today - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eggs produced = 6</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sales - 1 dozen eggs £1.95</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Expenses - Seed potatoes £9.45 (forgot to add them in on Sunday's post)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-61628090187992892892014-02-11T19:40:00.001+00:002014-02-11T19:40:14.631+00:00Potato dayOn Saturday morning I spent a wonderful couple of hours at the annual event at Stonham Barns, Suffolk that is the Potato day.<br />
<br />
This annual event plays host to approximately 80 varieties of seed potatoes, across the board of first, second and maincrop. It was the first time I had been and I was amazed at the spectacle that hit my eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2CaNf9euWQfMs0e6_uJTZ0QltGFwpxHbm0Aznl7cvF1gVUaJ0cbKtr1fsmMxh4yxvZ8fpYi-v9nr4-tI9PwcXz_357hXDCgaiHpd5rXx7PVlmbDahzG_gkfCIUWUy7rr1obVusbrco4t/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2CaNf9euWQfMs0e6_uJTZ0QltGFwpxHbm0Aznl7cvF1gVUaJ0cbKtr1fsmMxh4yxvZ8fpYi-v9nr4-tI9PwcXz_357hXDCgaiHpd5rXx7PVlmbDahzG_gkfCIUWUy7rr1obVusbrco4t/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0mN-j96c-9Bn-oTjAvxt0Zd57pNFmdRkOaqLcGiiXdzM36s9JjLRztYnn0pplkdD4UvkA5daHi5TcRdwdJUpdMSTVqgTJwDXERsyUebmhi2-4_eDclgB6tDZReXSEIUsSkZDv-8e6Igr/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0mN-j96c-9Bn-oTjAvxt0Zd57pNFmdRkOaqLcGiiXdzM36s9JjLRztYnn0pplkdD4UvkA5daHi5TcRdwdJUpdMSTVqgTJwDXERsyUebmhi2-4_eDclgB6tDZReXSEIUsSkZDv-8e6Igr/s1600/008.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmnsIdXHfIyiaQzwKEWBZw_z8FiaVehtr_GHujtz_9_Os_sqpFevNa-FPvg4GZhcIE04dArjbxbd2aE9SX8a9UIvBV9WQ1chKMu4XDULuRwnNZ6yZQzGt93LZka-a6-CEF7PEgXmunLN4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmnsIdXHfIyiaQzwKEWBZw_z8FiaVehtr_GHujtz_9_Os_sqpFevNa-FPvg4GZhcIE04dArjbxbd2aE9SX8a9UIvBV9WQ1chKMu4XDULuRwnNZ6yZQzGt93LZka-a6-CEF7PEgXmunLN4/s1600/009.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahbi7abXOz46isKVxYEtK6mCrjN4G6Kt28o_L2SUWE6w2rCqjeYSl-l37-PKF0Tnj2XXeegmqzqc2CzGDAshtjbDp3ztYD8tFjTH3scXJQXX-5Jw30c8ep1BwqzsJrY7zGOJJ3MC_IHnE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahbi7abXOz46isKVxYEtK6mCrjN4G6Kt28o_L2SUWE6w2rCqjeYSl-l37-PKF0Tnj2XXeegmqzqc2CzGDAshtjbDp3ztYD8tFjTH3scXJQXX-5Jw30c8ep1BwqzsJrY7zGOJJ3MC_IHnE/s1600/010.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgcEcoJqJ7SGklLne_EGJFXQ_ml4pQ54TpldApTk1FWLPzP7AVztyhyphenhyphenaItijy22yg-o6zxXjBGYHNK_1Jayf9H3S-m1KAniuFHWxbJT0twDq0vIz8LdZOZbqtqVkwEmdOG-9zOcJzeQKQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgcEcoJqJ7SGklLne_EGJFXQ_ml4pQ54TpldApTk1FWLPzP7AVztyhyphenhyphenaItijy22yg-o6zxXjBGYHNK_1Jayf9H3S-m1KAniuFHWxbJT0twDq0vIz8LdZOZbqtqVkwEmdOG-9zOcJzeQKQ/s1600/011.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
All the varieties were laid out in alphabetical order with a short description about them, you then grabbed a brown paper bag and a pen and set to deciding on which you fancied.<br />
<br />
I arrived at 10.30am and some of the varieties had already sold out it was that busy and popular. A catalogue of all the available varieties was on sale, which was a handy reference as it contained more details on each variety - the resistance to scab, blight etc.<br />
<br />
I came away flabbergasted, but with some potatoes - more on that in another post. What a great morning out!Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-83247889113436449542014-02-07T19:57:00.003+00:002014-02-07T19:57:32.236+00:00Cut flowers - an updateWell, I must have read every book on the subject, looked in every mail order catalogue and raided the internet for information on cut flowers over and over again, and I still don't know where to start!<br />
<br />
I think it must be something that sorts itself out once you get started, maybe I'm just a bit nervous and apprehensive, this weather isn't helping! February is a dreadful month I always find, it's crappy weather which practically leads to hibernation and a bored Angela!<br />
<br />
I have got a long list of cut flowers I would like to grow, but the list is extensive and if you've read my other posts on the subject, you'll know that the garden isn't laid out sufficiently to accommodate all these plants just yet. So I've bought some seeds and awaiting some others, and am trying to be patient until the weather is sufficiently warm enough to sow them. I have also joined the Cottage Garden society - www.cottagegardensociety.org.uk and have also joined Flowers from the Farm, which was featured on the BBC's Great British Garden Revival programme - www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk. Plus I have booked to go on a course organised by the organiser / creator of Flowers from the farm; the course is entitled 'Start growing flowers for market', so hopefully all this information should give me a head start and give me confidence for when those seeds go into trays of compost at the end of February. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
Eggs produced = 4<br />
Sales - 1 doz eggs £1.85<br />
Expenses - NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-31403580346050809062014-02-05T19:45:00.001+00:002014-02-05T19:45:05.170+00:00January statsBit quiet on the stats front, but then I suppose it's to be expected in January.<br />
<br />
Here you go -<br />
<br />
8 & 1/2 dozen eggs £15.60.<br />
<br />
Told you it was a bit quiet! February's not looking much brighter at the moment either!<br />
<br />
Expenses balance = £128.55<br />
<br />
New deficit balance = £112.95<br />
<br />
Taking it's time to get rid of this balance, but at least it's going in the right direction. Sales, I don't suppose, will pick up until spring, patience is not one of my virtues!<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
Eggs produced = 5<br />
Sales = Nil<br />
Expenses = NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-22507569753845364902014-02-04T19:58:00.001+00:002014-02-04T19:58:40.998+00:00Girls are back in townOr at least back at home!<br />
<br />
The girls and boy have been off on their holidays for the last couple of months grazing a friend's pony paddocks, just to nibble off the tops and generally give the paddocks a 'sheep health check'. It's a great way to revitalise paddocks that get used solely by horses, it really does clean up the paddocks and gets rid of any nasties!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmxigr8RtKihDRfLZLciWy8M4OOyzXEvK1U6Z8_wz4VLOWMVprog1ihokRGV5_GEhmhU3mEv_bmmA-dQ_iwdV0W_cgYfHLiWtQWEuAsx3tfNcJPdgY9u8JFnUTs5EiSC9sbJcprBEl-YU/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmxigr8RtKihDRfLZLciWy8M4OOyzXEvK1U6Z8_wz4VLOWMVprog1ihokRGV5_GEhmhU3mEv_bmmA-dQ_iwdV0W_cgYfHLiWtQWEuAsx3tfNcJPdgY9u8JFnUTs5EiSC9sbJcprBEl-YU/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf6ZxTy-roPlcNFBDWRc0zXBMPUesv28Rsn_mF2LS_mpLuu9AUf-1Pb7Q8GZFVqI5G5N-Sp3BGTb-b-fdwT7MkJ-2Tjmo4YFXpjDaZEoNt2_QFzwIkaEBlCaOr6wcle1PpRNhEaCAyoUI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf6ZxTy-roPlcNFBDWRc0zXBMPUesv28Rsn_mF2LS_mpLuu9AUf-1Pb7Q8GZFVqI5G5N-Sp3BGTb-b-fdwT7MkJ-2Tjmo4YFXpjDaZEoNt2_QFzwIkaEBlCaOr6wcle1PpRNhEaCAyoUI/s1600/009.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trailer waiting for it's cargo, with hurdles to go either side of the gate posts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now normally we don't have any problem loading up the sheep, we just drop the ramp and up they go, but as it was raining, they didn't want to come home. Good job we took our reinforcement with us -</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDql9PJ-g-9YO5NlfE3cukxpBRgu7y7lG1nUjMUfMo447RKiNu7qAEJL4FHgOxkbH_ZBFOUCyANqgk5nqYgDYKv6AxebBRDgRJSH4pgRnHptvsNhtdkobtOsSfjYczd6xReK-Dml7Cdbof/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDql9PJ-g-9YO5NlfE3cukxpBRgu7y7lG1nUjMUfMo447RKiNu7qAEJL4FHgOxkbH_ZBFOUCyANqgk5nqYgDYKv6AxebBRDgRJSH4pgRnHptvsNhtdkobtOsSfjYczd6xReK-Dml7Cdbof/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had to share the front seat with her and the seat belt! Although she wasn't too impressed with either, but she won't sit in the back. This is Cerys, our sheepdog.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24Ww5Tf6SzMPTNEekeG0K7WAcxrm95EFinAewche4E1FmDasYrC4vKGbkSS4g0M3gPsKxzpeSb-8el_RGaLOvX7JkVeiQYKq8dBBAdtU39n3R2TT-MwlN-QU-OKWrv3nPZ1U7IU1c7nsn/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24Ww5Tf6SzMPTNEekeG0K7WAcxrm95EFinAewche4E1FmDasYrC4vKGbkSS4g0M3gPsKxzpeSb-8el_RGaLOvX7JkVeiQYKq8dBBAdtU39n3R2TT-MwlN-QU-OKWrv3nPZ1U7IU1c7nsn/s1600/012.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loaded, phew!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpb0nM5YnWWwBlaPL4D9AQ89_8EVRnsymGrRLJFqwH8vFaiRlGFEPfmcSPWZlySTcuQRy-Oq_CxcZYgzaMxKN0UJFMsm3Ni6hhQW9bpZNoq8eHBsYea7WE6KO-lmISoVLRB-Olcssqc0C/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpb0nM5YnWWwBlaPL4D9AQ89_8EVRnsymGrRLJFqwH8vFaiRlGFEPfmcSPWZlySTcuQRy-Oq_CxcZYgzaMxKN0UJFMsm3Ni6hhQW9bpZNoq8eHBsYea7WE6KO-lmISoVLRB-Olcssqc0C/s1600/014.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdY7196pyKt9dRk2wgT-hr6VUlCX3UQd_7ntojRK-9hwiTnLuk1HcPYgIFKl0kN1kG0L4czv4ghZB7MF5r2k7xnrCcoBkDqjl5VaFX1SE3-DljjSEQGGAxiry4erWTEOCMjNUctwQmJfv/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdY7196pyKt9dRk2wgT-hr6VUlCX3UQd_7ntojRK-9hwiTnLuk1HcPYgIFKl0kN1kG0L4czv4ghZB7MF5r2k7xnrCcoBkDqjl5VaFX1SE3-DljjSEQGGAxiry4erWTEOCMjNUctwQmJfv/s1600/018.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf_FDusnE3BMUm6HdkmJL9T2RyGQ252AKtlJ80k65tsw3iETp2qiSO4AHIxC_JAXPVckF2at0x2GVhEre30jiDjOE2tFdOXwMnWKAMq5eZ2lSC0YOMJsIwfULYfIFxcxdL7PBJGmvnrEJ/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf_FDusnE3BMUm6HdkmJL9T2RyGQ252AKtlJ80k65tsw3iETp2qiSO4AHIxC_JAXPVckF2at0x2GVhEre30jiDjOE2tFdOXwMnWKAMq5eZ2lSC0YOMJsIwfULYfIFxcxdL7PBJGmvnrEJ/s1600/021.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And all home, happily tucking into some tasty haylage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Always good to have them home again, like knowing where they are and knowing they are safe! All a waiting game now to the middle of April when they are due to lamb. Exciting times ahead.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stats today -</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eggs produced = 7</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sales - 1/2 doz eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Expenses - Nil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-71772867955987307472014-02-02T20:41:00.000+00:002014-02-02T20:41:01.675+00:002014 Garden startedToday has been the day when I feel that we have made a start in the veg garden, or garden full-stop really, for 2014.<br />
<br />
Michael has dug over and added manure to the two beds in the polytunnel, ready for one side to be filled with new potatoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRU-QyC9u5t1RdAfvMOYpByj5SZy-muMcCGnDY0QcBwJGPlXJ-kwM_Fe-3wx89lPLyiNuSzWJSxIoR2tfUgVa1FIp1Rkm0xFFglQYL5ClCwRLZ44kgXKMmY5id9MqM2J4xFLsV5Rs0fBI/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRU-QyC9u5t1RdAfvMOYpByj5SZy-muMcCGnDY0QcBwJGPlXJ-kwM_Fe-3wx89lPLyiNuSzWJSxIoR2tfUgVa1FIp1Rkm0xFFglQYL5ClCwRLZ44kgXKMmY5id9MqM2J4xFLsV5Rs0fBI/s1600/027.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8y2KFhYz5yfihruLCQhE758gvF_HUxlmB7i01-dGUMq2vV7NrlAe30WBRGV__WLPH-1o98ilU2HYi4ftMEhEbekv_mVl8E3Kmzi4C93pwwhe93YjYwzOjJbl41X8aJ5Nhw_Gf-4mR497/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8y2KFhYz5yfihruLCQhE758gvF_HUxlmB7i01-dGUMq2vV7NrlAe30WBRGV__WLPH-1o98ilU2HYi4ftMEhEbekv_mVl8E3Kmzi4C93pwwhe93YjYwzOjJbl41X8aJ5Nhw_Gf-4mR497/s1600/029.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GfYe8MRua8-LSR5FqU0LAQjQgn0f9T6UWTDPssDQwBGeX5RJBqGcQ4eKpCzECmCLuFZAMiIeWWg2DIG9ViZQGkVcjA2f-5LMNiw3rywurSr_1oEueDxdghH9DDyfydu-6Q301FyjBe50/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GfYe8MRua8-LSR5FqU0LAQjQgn0f9T6UWTDPssDQwBGeX5RJBqGcQ4eKpCzECmCLuFZAMiIeWWg2DIG9ViZQGkVcjA2f-5LMNiw3rywurSr_1oEueDxdghH9DDyfydu-6Q301FyjBe50/s1600/031.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I have weeded the microgreens, also in the polytunnel, which are coming on a treat -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF9k9-LL2KFAG2Cj9mjSGhc2I922OrsIH0ItuZWeg_OJwJFvV87Lcj3_1G2-gGhTa1q4CgVl_nDG76GrmWftp6VW4N11elKHE8CyZnigb8gVSp5-OfYRaVDFhGV_-kWUIs0karvZfrF_p/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF9k9-LL2KFAG2Cj9mjSGhc2I922OrsIH0ItuZWeg_OJwJFvV87Lcj3_1G2-gGhTa1q4CgVl_nDG76GrmWftp6VW4N11elKHE8CyZnigb8gVSp5-OfYRaVDFhGV_-kWUIs0karvZfrF_p/s1600/022.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPcvRlbvqCpm4j09rqzMKQVB1iRT4BgFiPcC79-JUq6Gst4KDJ3X8J4geIDygbQaqm9BCIVSw_miieKLWM8ktQEK7xhd28KvKK3cl8NnKo3DvUrCVx9eC_JiwSDnMgJrI49dfy_gNZrWe/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPcvRlbvqCpm4j09rqzMKQVB1iRT4BgFiPcC79-JUq6Gst4KDJ3X8J4geIDygbQaqm9BCIVSw_miieKLWM8ktQEK7xhd28KvKK3cl8NnKo3DvUrCVx9eC_JiwSDnMgJrI49dfy_gNZrWe/s1600/025.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Apart from a few rows in the middle, which were Beetroot, Chives and Basil, plus one row of Rocket which hasn't grown, all the rest are doing just fine. I'm well pleased. Some of these I may leave to grow on, especially the salad leaves as Michael is beginning to moan about not having any salad's recently - partly due to the fact that I won't let him buy tasteless tomatoes and cucumbers from the supermarket!<br />
<br />
I also did a few tidying up jobs - collecting up some smashed glass from under the fruit trees in the veg patch, where a cold frame had been; moved some left over Laurel plants - left over from a job of Michael's, which will come in handy for my Laurel hedge that I've been wanting for years, am also going to do some Topiary with it too, if the plan comes off; plus I've made a start on the hoeing, which already makes the place look better. I even cleaned out the three chicken sheds. So I feel good tonight that things are moving in the right direction, I can go to bed happy and tired tonight - the weather helped too, it's been gorgeous and sunny all day. Already looking forward to see what I can accomplish tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
Eggs produced = 7<br />
Sales - 1 dozen eggs<br />
Expenses - Nil<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-79763785638941421732014-01-27T20:45:00.003+00:002014-01-27T20:45:59.428+00:00Chickens tonightHi all, we're on chickens tonight - Exchequer Leghorns to be precise, a breed profile.<br />
<br />
These are one of the breeds that we bought from the auction last September time. I was attracted to their stunning plumage, their upright and proud strut and general all-round handsomeness!<br />
<br />
Just to remind you here's what mine look like -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rxpPQOFDteTMwrVD1mtVyveVSkcp4AJUllbh1mxHgTCw73v2YMP71JdZlOk-fw76CX_tRgPsy6zZihoCV0CaMEXwdKHfkh7rINL7m0yODSIYPfgNpV93qRN2hOOFfQEUoT980PcsIYpp/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rxpPQOFDteTMwrVD1mtVyveVSkcp4AJUllbh1mxHgTCw73v2YMP71JdZlOk-fw76CX_tRgPsy6zZihoCV0CaMEXwdKHfkh7rINL7m0yODSIYPfgNpV93qRN2hOOFfQEUoT980PcsIYpp/s1600/010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwv_e9VIEFDCS_5NrAw7Xsr2FtU33IQRZQAr2f36O6-9FpR3r45btmRYVj2K1rAjnuecmBfg4xcXhgoL-dh5-iflZVNYVFhrmLMaLuPL7U7MKROwaWlnBBp4GNidEm5_X76tUx7PhQNC5/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwv_e9VIEFDCS_5NrAw7Xsr2FtU33IQRZQAr2f36O6-9FpR3r45btmRYVj2K1rAjnuecmBfg4xcXhgoL-dh5-iflZVNYVFhrmLMaLuPL7U7MKROwaWlnBBp4GNidEm5_X76tUx7PhQNC5/s1600/011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tom, with Barbara and Margo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now Tom is a lively cockerel, loud with a look at me attitude, which is typical of the breed. He is my wake-up call at 5am, regular as clockwork, regardless of whether it's light or not!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The breed is reported to be a productive egg layer (although I haven't seen any signs of it yet, but the hens were quite young when they came to us last year), usually about five eggs laid per week, but not a meat breed, being quite light in body frame.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cockerel has a large comb, as you can see from the photo above, and the females should flop over, this is normal. They are active birds, happy to roam about the paddock next to the house, and because of their light bodyweight can run at a fair speed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately having read up on them, they are not a maternal bird, so I shall have to invest in an incubator if breeding is going to be successful. They can also be quite aloof, as I've found out, often running away even when the red hens come running towards me. I do believe they have got friendlier over the months though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I often catch myself watching them more than the other breeds, their feather patterns are mesmerising and they are such a proud show off, of a breed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Apparently they are not a breed for the faint hearted, but I enjoy having this trio of show-offs around, they make the place feel special!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWgLE5O3nGUCDiLLDY735fhzft4jXZjx9NmKCGZ7fRgSSreFjYN2om5No0UTfmI0WbuKfPHEWpRWmVb8zFJ0tF3i2r5Id1ePeV1CGlAbw9VlrZj5lVg7teCuySmfBsTiUz1lK7CD__Yq7/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWgLE5O3nGUCDiLLDY735fhzft4jXZjx9NmKCGZ7fRgSSreFjYN2om5No0UTfmI0WbuKfPHEWpRWmVb8zFJ0tF3i2r5Id1ePeV1CGlAbw9VlrZj5lVg7teCuySmfBsTiUz1lK7CD__Yq7/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4fmjLlzwnjIqeXzQrZfOQZ5rWp-JBspP32XPB7fhz-f0BeioFPRXq2hr5-p9jmej8z1mHBLIBhAgqHd6Hg_uULCnWTdNBhRsNRiRHCXMDvFhwTs2B4I2VCY7TirKHaVEH41zGtUITIkI/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4fmjLlzwnjIqeXzQrZfOQZ5rWp-JBspP32XPB7fhz-f0BeioFPRXq2hr5-p9jmej8z1mHBLIBhAgqHd6Hg_uULCnWTdNBhRsNRiRHCXMDvFhwTs2B4I2VCY7TirKHaVEH41zGtUITIkI/s1600/010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOTRG28l_YyriX4Irf6olJchSq5a6P2tNx-cjjiZ5_D36moKARCMohZY85CjgDTi_ZKzVxIlo-VQb9kLvyskrUs-Ba3bzY9RPJD2my4HrInPwum6ZTtgpR_6ooO6YzkbhRWykj5DEOzP7/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOTRG28l_YyriX4Irf6olJchSq5a6P2tNx-cjjiZ5_D36moKARCMohZY85CjgDTi_ZKzVxIlo-VQb9kLvyskrUs-Ba3bzY9RPJD2my4HrInPwum6ZTtgpR_6ooO6YzkbhRWykj5DEOzP7/s1600/015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVRW36iSTmFlVp8b31NPJcXRWzUBC2N1wkwBYtAOhQCC1HSFbkHrlhAeg6hvyrD0xP-RPR6RlZmRVWQoghYHYfr7AgI-24uYoEi7hCXv3em399sGWmi5vNPQGiwwEwhq9NSzHHoVJTHCJ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVRW36iSTmFlVp8b31NPJcXRWzUBC2N1wkwBYtAOhQCC1HSFbkHrlhAeg6hvyrD0xP-RPR6RlZmRVWQoghYHYfr7AgI-24uYoEi7hCXv3em399sGWmi5vNPQGiwwEwhq9NSzHHoVJTHCJ/s1600/017.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4sSgxebtQXCkWBAQ88mM7s8oUAKluiZXlOGLftuPaEDyAaJEbs_Z-onCx8kpTQL3ly2nvapzLNsjC4-rSTLqZg0AAwa6d52fopoR8_g29S9eUXGbFCYueg2wwl7Y4Ae7ZBTxcjsrOU9A/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4sSgxebtQXCkWBAQ88mM7s8oUAKluiZXlOGLftuPaEDyAaJEbs_Z-onCx8kpTQL3ly2nvapzLNsjC4-rSTLqZg0AAwa6d52fopoR8_g29S9eUXGbFCYueg2wwl7Y4Ae7ZBTxcjsrOU9A/s1600/020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVGhE66mhbDsnLPm8TyLQQhyphenhyphenaNSnCkLK839BOcjcdsrkG8iE_cLOBmji53_nHYikYNuOSqH1jrdOOTlweoKLd8XCdtOk7nb7AOGeWQHXeSuKxmIJ1R0MgbvfUWRfdGxw8J-1uieXFgO16/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVGhE66mhbDsnLPm8TyLQQhyphenhyphenaNSnCkLK839BOcjcdsrkG8iE_cLOBmji53_nHYikYNuOSqH1jrdOOTlweoKLd8XCdtOk7nb7AOGeWQHXeSuKxmIJ1R0MgbvfUWRfdGxw8J-1uieXFgO16/s1600/028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at that stunning plumage, the black shines irridesant green when the sun shines on it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
If anyone knows of any Exchequer Leghorn breeders out there - I'd appreciate them letting me know, as I haven't stumbled across anyone else who has them yet. They might not suit everyone, but I love them.Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-47501546392393416372014-01-20T20:49:00.001+00:002014-01-20T20:49:23.020+00:00A new venture for 2014Now I've been mentioning that we are going into new ventures this year, and I can now reveal what one of them is! Cut Flowers.<br />
<br />
You already know that we have planted daffodil bulbs which will be part of the new enterprise, but I have decided to go into doing flowers for the cut flower trade. I have spent numerous hours researching which cut flowers to grow, spent hours in the library and then trawled through various seed catalogues, (never a wasted moment spent there I find!), to see what's available and I still haven't got an indefinite list - there's so much choice!<br />
<br />
I don't know if you've watched the Great British Garden Revival TV programme, an excellent series on all aspects of gardening, that are sorrowfully in decline, but they covered the decline in the UK cut flower trade in some depth. Apparently people are wanting British home grown cut flowers now as well as home grown veg and meat. This wasn't where the idea came from, but it did convince me that it was a good idea.<br />
<br />
Part of this new venture is also to install some herbaceous beds in the garden, currently the garden looks like this -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoWQBuHkyAF9BNvQYGk31oAZq3cy0URFLr2tdVCjgLx1Hpg79GxQ0Rm92sIo7Ovrgm5FoVEjOySfAn5LwHUP7bky27uEu2FUQOBJAQWNp0kRxAIzd4vO9PxuwBYHuIVbVKCKKQjC93VxH/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoWQBuHkyAF9BNvQYGk31oAZq3cy0URFLr2tdVCjgLx1Hpg79GxQ0Rm92sIo7Ovrgm5FoVEjOySfAn5LwHUP7bky27uEu2FUQOBJAQWNp0kRxAIzd4vO9PxuwBYHuIVbVKCKKQjC93VxH/s1600/002.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRr98ah8mpqvqVF-kL5r5P-Dxygms5RQ8X_B_DqeOKOhjBjTS1b1ZhLNh19Z_EZA1dFUgGBHGFgVwmVbLAtZAbaoDgm-uGdP1KYjgGvaqB-LjyoDlPJ-kSB4jSlODId86-7jvr7m7V9nf/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRr98ah8mpqvqVF-kL5r5P-Dxygms5RQ8X_B_DqeOKOhjBjTS1b1ZhLNh19Z_EZA1dFUgGBHGFgVwmVbLAtZAbaoDgm-uGdP1KYjgGvaqB-LjyoDlPJ-kSB4jSlODId86-7jvr7m7V9nf/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddmih6ZOkyxRtSFf_qYaONH9LzMGnIijM-egj5MGCYonCmNs2ZENp0JNsEGIfg3iqM_oGKa_w3y7C3NJL6xnATUHF1JRynEx54r27ImspHDqnJB-ApDEQGtqRVIi15y_hQ3RQn_J3QaQm/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddmih6ZOkyxRtSFf_qYaONH9LzMGnIijM-egj5MGCYonCmNs2ZENp0JNsEGIfg3iqM_oGKa_w3y7C3NJL6xnATUHF1JRynEx54r27ImspHDqnJB-ApDEQGtqRVIi15y_hQ3RQn_J3QaQm/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcp6rWtg_T1F3we1KYeRCL36clHWxuglZaq4RUmcKd1bCOOxTPKJgYrZO8gYf-Z0VuUFY70tVJP1JiUUy20r5zm5fZbh1-Ugn0e-QCU_9OeqJqetIilMO_seNVi-0I7oMBSJn2bxZf7nY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcp6rWtg_T1F3we1KYeRCL36clHWxuglZaq4RUmcKd1bCOOxTPKJgYrZO8gYf-Z0VuUFY70tVJP1JiUUy20r5zm5fZbh1-Ugn0e-QCU_9OeqJqetIilMO_seNVi-0I7oMBSJn2bxZf7nY/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the view from the patio, this morning, the back door is behind me.<br />
<br />
So you can see I have rather a blank canvas. The fence down the side of the veg patch is in the process of being replaced with some more closeboarding like is already in place. I'd like to put in several large borders, especially down the long side along the fence line (see bottom picture). This will enable me to have perennials from which to collect more cutting material as well as from annuals in the veg patch.<br />
<br />
If you have any ideas on design etc, they would be gratefully received, as I'm no garden designer!<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 7<br />
Sales - 1/2 doz eggs £0.90<br />
Expenses - NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-66982942274346622892014-01-17T19:59:00.004+00:002014-01-17T19:59:42.790+00:00Hate saying goodbyeIt came round to that time yesterday when we said goodbye to two good friends - the pigs went off to the abattoir. I don't know about you but I hate it when you have to do it.<br />
<br />
We discussed keeping the two girls for breeding, as they were such wonderful natured pigs, but we didn't think that a pig breeding operation would be viable as there are so many other people doing it and pig feed being so expensive, so off they went.<br />
<br />
Loading was easy. We backed the trailer up to their compound and I scattered pig nuts down the ramp. Having not fed them that morning, they were hungry, so just scoffed nuts all the way up the ramp until they were in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAUWesy7wS4MRR9wZLicippTMN1-zLvBv_-6Vshwa35nPf8rMpv9re2JEnWjDC6sMW0_NsAPphmDRokcFvJ9k3hRKJ6xGCOWTKjCsbOWewjez6JM5VYgawnwN2yLslU_392mnzhCwdw28/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAUWesy7wS4MRR9wZLicippTMN1-zLvBv_-6Vshwa35nPf8rMpv9re2JEnWjDC6sMW0_NsAPphmDRokcFvJ9k3hRKJ6xGCOWTKjCsbOWewjez6JM5VYgawnwN2yLslU_392mnzhCwdw28/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
And Yes, these are the same pigs we bought in July - see the post from last July when we first brought them home!<br />
<br />
Ear tags next -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9nuuol0E9Ar-4NsBayYJJ11gXmhoJyDKBtBlZDkouLgLR9ZQRHZaTrHsqsn9CHAtNVrLyy4Wea4w6vZ1uAEYEjCE3RxGRcEGcplopkjnXUHBaq317H0kfXZWVUsoJL5ruxwulQZ1fje/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs9nuuol0E9Ar-4NsBayYJJ11gXmhoJyDKBtBlZDkouLgLR9ZQRHZaTrHsqsn9CHAtNVrLyy4Wea4w6vZ1uAEYEjCE3RxGRcEGcplopkjnXUHBaq317H0kfXZWVUsoJL5ruxwulQZ1fje/s1600/009.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ear tagger machine with tag loaded</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHj2hDrjoaDhY4en2djvuyM1mRizm1PvDD3m5Vm3j66M9oyUnusRfp1pAzshueQrvkQSNH-4LE0p2KRVOar00Pyyh79lVtQ9u4dj3iEHzuxErq5g8BplxS1688TlU_mP7l3eKhDAgR0o2/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHj2hDrjoaDhY4en2djvuyM1mRizm1PvDD3m5Vm3j66M9oyUnusRfp1pAzshueQrvkQSNH-4LE0p2KRVOar00Pyyh79lVtQ9u4dj3iEHzuxErq5g8BplxS1688TlU_mP7l3eKhDAgR0o2/s1600/010.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0HspJIp35APF8DQDOkHUCVv_J0b-cGGVwYhagPmu9McfN85DaWPqusQJMFZe-mKDQT_AjocEIWey6GoLEXo5cjSbN_teW2Wlb8q89P40My4ugJhTEWoSx_JcTW9S51N-M3ZJ2j2a8REI/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0HspJIp35APF8DQDOkHUCVv_J0b-cGGVwYhagPmu9McfN85DaWPqusQJMFZe-mKDQT_AjocEIWey6GoLEXo5cjSbN_teW2Wlb8q89P40My4ugJhTEWoSx_JcTW9S51N-M3ZJ2j2a8REI/s1600/014.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both tagged - lets hope they stay in until they get to the abattoir!</div>
<br />
And then they were off -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8kMHEo6SsqyU_GB2MhMnF5I2MMcEtUajVUUDi8IRYsU2_iHYsLa4AUIOQFUyFkRRQLagtNKkXnP0rEc7iqM1q_imT0F3rTY6uX0ULPOCmKyhUU9q4pjV7GaEi0FA3mNzZTutbFxIvB_J/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8kMHEo6SsqyU_GB2MhMnF5I2MMcEtUajVUUDi8IRYsU2_iHYsLa4AUIOQFUyFkRRQLagtNKkXnP0rEc7iqM1q_imT0F3rTY6uX0ULPOCmKyhUU9q4pjV7GaEi0FA3mNzZTutbFxIvB_J/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Michael exchanged the tractor for a 4x4 once out of the muddy field and that was it. The butcher told me he would be sorting them out on Monday, so probably by the end of next week/beginning of the following week I shall be collecting a whole heap of lovely home-grown, tasty pork - can't wait!<br />
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-88258018164478955132014-01-13T19:31:00.002+00:002014-01-13T19:31:30.684+00:00Still harvesting potatoesAnd No I don't mean the ones from the bags in the shed!<br />
<br />
I went into the polytunnel over the weekend to have a check on how my micro-greens were doing and found potatoes growing. We always grow our first earlies in the polytunnel, just so we can beat everyone else to it and start harvesting delicious new potatoes early. That time of year when you're desperate for summer food, and new potatoes covered in lashings of herb butter - delish!<br />
<br />
The potatoes I found were just ones that had been left over from the 2013 harvest but not wanting to let them go to waste I stuck in my fork and this is what I came out with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO3CDN3P5E987say7RQ2A6vP7_21EMBlqM82Zb5T_3qWX3dbnNf6TlrU0USnp4YZEN-w8bx4-X3ifQpbwkk6ePnJz4WZEoNlu_XAt8KQGwpHOLMsO5Xe4hrqsWGERie7UIe7zuS-MB09n/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO3CDN3P5E987say7RQ2A6vP7_21EMBlqM82Zb5T_3qWX3dbnNf6TlrU0USnp4YZEN-w8bx4-X3ifQpbwkk6ePnJz4WZEoNlu_XAt8KQGwpHOLMsO5Xe4hrqsWGERie7UIe7zuS-MB09n/s320/001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOkvGFdaozNp0fIobV1r0xVZAM9xYGUIezq1k-hPCQX1GgWxNMxkJXNyBfTymE6n0Rm2plCs9n_TKCNDBsPS0JrjT22B2o7ZPd2q-PU8pI1VkJXEXM9Fu1t9jIbOIj6kfRmVhIu1Qe7qM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOkvGFdaozNp0fIobV1r0xVZAM9xYGUIezq1k-hPCQX1GgWxNMxkJXNyBfTymE6n0Rm2plCs9n_TKCNDBsPS0JrjT22B2o7ZPd2q-PU8pI1VkJXEXM9Fu1t9jIbOIj6kfRmVhIu1Qe7qM/s320/002.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The evidence!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeIXlVxQuiKpHbv9V4aWRHT-ZIL2VX0opFzfhbbEiJ_bDXrtBHBYgi4BNRpAnU84U96cGqWTf-WGo7wayrJGeqlr745_92VfiYQahWeHUsMwlQ9_yOw406eYW5a4_CCaTJ3IHOJCi9KTR/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeIXlVxQuiKpHbv9V4aWRHT-ZIL2VX0opFzfhbbEiJ_bDXrtBHBYgi4BNRpAnU84U96cGqWTf-WGo7wayrJGeqlr745_92VfiYQahWeHUsMwlQ9_yOw406eYW5a4_CCaTJ3IHOJCi9KTR/s320/003.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The haul!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And extremely delicious they were too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stats today - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eggs produced = 7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sales - 1 dozen eggs - £2.00</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Expenses - Nil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-34163603300916931902014-01-11T17:27:00.001+00:002014-01-11T17:27:44.774+00:00Movement Ramblings!Had to laugh earlier, as whilst reading the latest edition of Country Smallholding magazine, February edition, I came across an article about new movement regulations for sheep and goats. <br />
<br />
From April 2014 sheep and goat owners will be able to record movements electronically. The article also says that the new system will provide on online flock/herd register for owners to use, all voluntarily. All on and off movements will be recorded against an owner's register. Paper copies of movements will also be able to be printed as these will need to go with the livestock<br />
<br />
Don't fret, for all those pen and paper fanatics, you will still be able to use the carbonated forms as is currently the case. This is only the case for England and all current registered keepers will be informed in due course.<br />
<br />
This is great news, for me anyway being a bit of a computer geek (according to my husband!), not having to worry if I've got the right form, always the case here as we don't buy and sell that many livestock that often. So good news if this simplifies the system for all involved.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 4<br />
<br />
Sales - Nil<br />
Expenses - NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-54960330429918325672014-01-09T17:40:00.002+00:002014-01-09T17:43:40.560+00:00TB Testing timeNow if you have cattle, and I know not many of you do, then you have to go through the action of TB testing. It's all organised through DEFRA, as you have to notify them when you start keeping cattle. Your local vet is put in charge of the testing with no charge to yourselves.<br />
<br />
Interval's of testing depend on where you are in the country, more prevalent areas are done every six months; we are lucky here in that our testing interval is every 48 months.<br />
<br />
The test itself is relatively simple. Two areas on the cow's neck are shaved of hair, which are then injected; one area with a small amount of bovine TB and the other with a small area of avian TB. This was done on Monday. 72 hours pass before the vet re-visits to check the tests. If either of the areas have raised lumps then the animal is considered a reactor to TB and has to be transported to a specific DEFRA site to be euthanaised for which the owner is compensated at near market value.<br />
<br />
East Anglia is not that prevalent in TB thankfully and so it was with great relief that on the vet re-visit today, no reaction was found. Phew!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MN-KcVykJCINpV8Qm6ACEyc6u6ghU-lrfOcKer7v_OWEhCYup5H8YXS_EqnWFHJKMZUoqqI4JqEQ15SfTHy4tDRuch_G9pP8VWln2kp3MSg0SoaHWqmF62cAiy4PHpZkHMFsEGf9RvG1/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MN-KcVykJCINpV8Qm6ACEyc6u6ghU-lrfOcKer7v_OWEhCYup5H8YXS_EqnWFHJKMZUoqqI4JqEQ15SfTHy4tDRuch_G9pP8VWln2kp3MSg0SoaHWqmF62cAiy4PHpZkHMFsEGf9RvG1/s1600/016.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red - our Dexter cow, showing the two shaved patches on the side of her neck</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stats today - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eggs produced = 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sales - 1 & 1/2 dozen eggs £2.70</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Expenses - £38.49 Seed potatoes, seeds, garden sundry items</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-37811400233270195792014-01-08T20:46:00.002+00:002014-01-08T20:46:41.460+00:00StatsJust realised I haven't given you the sales stats for a few months, so here you go -<br />
<br />
October 2013<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 256px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 7021; mso-width-source: userset; width: 144pt;" width="192"></col>
<col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 144pt;" width="192">12 doz eggs</td>
<td align="right" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">21.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">12 & 1/2 Kg Tomatoes</td>
<td align="right">12.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2 x cucumber</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2 bags Bramley apples</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2 bags Plums</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">4 bags Onions</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">3 Pumpkins</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2 Cabbages</td>
<td align="right">1.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
November 2013</div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 235px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 3913; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="107"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 80pt;" width="107">6 doz eggs</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td>
<td align="right" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">10.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1 bag sticks</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">7 bags potatoes</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">19.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
December 2013</div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 235px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 3913; mso-width-source: userset; width: 80pt;" width="107"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 80pt;" width="107">13.5 doz eggs</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></td>
<td align="right" style="width: 48pt;" width="64">24.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">4 bags potatoes</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1 bag sticks</td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">30.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Remainder of Greenhouse and other expenses = £227.25</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oct, Nov & Dec Sales = £98.70</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still left to pay off = £128.55, phew it's getting there! But we've soon got the seed order to buy! Oh well here's to an excellent 2014 season.</div>
Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-13056815111283371492014-01-06T18:00:00.001+00:002014-01-06T18:00:26.411+00:00Movement booksNow I don't know about you, but I find that the movement book and the vet & med book is one of those jobs that gets left behind somewhat, and then when you need the thing for whatever reason, it's practically years out of date.<br />
<br />
So having a very important vet visit today (more on that in another post), I thought I had better check that the things were up to date. It used to be that if you had a visit from the vet, especially the vets from the Ministry (MAFF, in the old days), they went through all this type of paperwork religiously, and having had it drilled into me at college about it's importance (my old college mates will back me up on this!) I set about the task.<br />
<br />
Thankfully it wasn't far out of date, so the task wasn't so onerous. But it did get me thinking, is this just a job that is completely outdated and a waste of time? I understand the need for keeping medical records, for meat withdrawal purposes etc, but if you're like us here and don't use that many medicines unless absolutely necessary - welfare grounds etc, then you don't run the risk of tainting the meat before eating it. But the movement book seems rather a waste of time these days. Pigs are all done online now; cattle can be, but still need paperwork to follow them wherever they go; sheep are still followed by bits of paper, but even now they have electronic tags in their ears, although I wish someone would devise one that actually stayed in! The system is not foolproof by any means, cattle movements, like visiting the bull, means that the passport has to go with them, but then you have nothing at all to identify that the animal belongs to you, it's all done on trust. I do believe the whole system needs a complete overhaul, surely it can't be that difficult to identify each animal and follow its passage through life, can it? Should we go back to tattooing? At least that was permanent, ear tags never are! Your thoughts would be appreciated.<br />
<br />
Stats today<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 2 (!)<br />
<br />
Sales - Nil<br />
Expenses - NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-17458024525138549352014-01-05T19:37:00.001+00:002014-01-05T19:37:22.737+00:00Daffodils & Poo!Evening all! Thought I'd give you an update on one of our new ventures.<br />
<br />
Remember me telling you we had decided to grow some Daffodils? Well Michael had been reading up on the subject and said we needed to feed them, make them grow healthy and strong, with lots of flowers! So we need poo and lots of it. Enter bags of Kayal poo (my horse). Collected from the stables in the trailer on the back of the tractor and we set about emptying the bags.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuSnufAmpQcFe3Tfrkn8MuYxlK7hOCTvNJ0hJWcdeU18zRTOI7c9kj39TB0Vtso0s-frrlhpZEPJHcDlEPxT7ccsidyULtbS9ocDxmVqYPBOsYVTkbBKfIp7tSZw_g0z49zprYA2hCP51/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuSnufAmpQcFe3Tfrkn8MuYxlK7hOCTvNJ0hJWcdeU18zRTOI7c9kj39TB0Vtso0s-frrlhpZEPJHcDlEPxT7ccsidyULtbS9ocDxmVqYPBOsYVTkbBKfIp7tSZw_g0z49zprYA2hCP51/s320/006.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Obviously we had help, in the end we got so that we stopped scattering it about and let the 'unpaid' help do that for us, well, it's what they do best!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h4LBwGj7RIEFcAwdmvVZjsz8rSUZ7rAeMYARLczBbKxF7GZJ2SUp-Z7z1H7iPKG6H_iXxBePycOBsQgt_AH0dExjOQjD_ctl2zCshgW9XGY-YpNiv-VXf7EbBMWpYuU8vrgB8a9sIMk0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h4LBwGj7RIEFcAwdmvVZjsz8rSUZ7rAeMYARLczBbKxF7GZJ2SUp-Z7z1H7iPKG6H_iXxBePycOBsQgt_AH0dExjOQjD_ctl2zCshgW9XGY-YpNiv-VXf7EbBMWpYuU8vrgB8a9sIMk0/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keep going Michael, nearly there!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmUOJ9_RAhIDdzCnv35h76w8k81aV_o8ZC9oFR2Jb7aUuoL0gVnPiHRoHcBnV5m7GR1h4yFf6b-6jxLusAtFhatfz9uuqW55r4CNfc5rNiaVavzNzndb3llQYeTZTT7iAsQdkbk3EwxE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmUOJ9_RAhIDdzCnv35h76w8k81aV_o8ZC9oFR2Jb7aUuoL0gVnPiHRoHcBnV5m7GR1h4yFf6b-6jxLusAtFhatfz9uuqW55r4CNfc5rNiaVavzNzndb3llQYeTZTT7iAsQdkbk3EwxE/s320/010.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks girls, you're doing a fine job!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well that's about half way down the lines of bulbs, and would you believe it, we ran out of poo! A whole trailer load of the stuff and we were short by about half a dozen bags! Oh well, still plenty more to go at down at the stables - guess what we're doing next weekend too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZn-XwjtVHvGeUseFMIdL5N6W_k5o4DAI9YWI7Nw5uV9RSJbhDv9riFbBtPs5M4Xl3HyL6oZe7Z1vfgrhdO2ZnH6DY5paUJD1ROi4N5BpMkpzJrsjX9B2sXhs_z65cX1Nr8RAIGiYIncw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZn-XwjtVHvGeUseFMIdL5N6W_k5o4DAI9YWI7Nw5uV9RSJbhDv9riFbBtPs5M4Xl3HyL6oZe7Z1vfgrhdO2ZnH6DY5paUJD1ROi4N5BpMkpzJrsjX9B2sXhs_z65cX1Nr8RAIGiYIncw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's plenty more where they came from, and recyclable too, will refill over the next few months!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stats today - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eggs produced = 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sales - Nil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Expenses - Nil</div>
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-33555317647446863022014-01-02T19:04:00.001+00:002014-01-02T19:04:08.000+00:00MicrogreensWell, Happy New Year to you all, and as you can see I'm back in blog land again. It's good to be back with you all.<br />
<br />
Plans are afoot for this year, extra enterprises are to be ventured into with the view of making a bit more out of what we have, fingers crossed - all will be come clear in due course.<br />
<br />
Having read the November edition of 'Grow It', magazine, (a fab magazine for all things growable!), and absorbed the article on microgreens, I decided to do a trial. So out came the seed box and I sorted through to see what I'd got that would be microgreen-able.<br />
<br />
Now I'm never one to follow rules too rigidly and with an empty polytunnel I decided to plant a row of each of my seeds and see what happens. Hopefully something will grow that is harvestable, if nothing grows, well I haven't lost much apart from my time; these were all seed packets we had anyway.<br />
<br />
So I sowed the following, one row of each -<br />
Parsley - French plain leaf<br />
Basil - Sweet Genovese<br />
Chives<br />
Broccoli - Romanesco<br />
Cabbage - Xmas Drumhead<br />
Kale - Dwarf green curled<br />
Savoy Cabbage - Winter King<br />
Radish - French breakfast<br />
Beetroot - Boltardy<br />
Peas<br />
Landcress<br />
Lettuce - Arctic King<br />
Rocket<br />
Tatsoi<br />
(the last four packets were free with a previous edition of Grow It magazine)<br />
<br />
So I'm hoping this will make a fabulous mix of greens and I'll keep you posted on their progress. If all they do is get to the seedling stage and survive the winter giving me some delicious spring greens to eat I shall be delighted, but am hoping for the microgreen stage instead.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 4<br />
<br />
Sales -<br />
Nil<br />
<br />
Expenses -<br />
NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-34790636558021456322013-12-09T19:53:00.001+00:002013-12-09T19:53:37.355+00:00Potatoes & UpdateWell we seem to have come to the end of our crisis for now, thankfully. Dad is back at home, I took him home last weekend, and he seems fine, albeit rather weak. He's just going to relax and regain his strength over the winter and come out fighting a little bit fitter next spring. Phew!<br />
<br />
Onto to smallholding matters again for me -<br />
<br />
One crop that always does well here is potatoes. I say it does well, but only because we are vigilant about their watering through the summer as they are definitely our winter staple.<br />
<br />
The ground is double dug in February/March and heavily manured with rotted stable manure. Usually three long trenches are hand dug to accommodate one bag of second earlies and one bag of main-crop. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the second earlies we had this year, but the main-crop is Cara - a firm favourite of ours as it does so well on our light, sandy soil.<br />
<br />
Michael spent the day last Sunday digging up all the main-crop; I had used the second earlies before this straight from the ground. They were OK, a red skinned variety that suffered a bit with scab, and therefore not good enough to sell, but fine for us to use.<br />
<br />
The main-crop are excellent. A good variety of sizes with some really big ones in there two. Out of one bag of seed potatoes Michael has harvested five paper sacks full (the 25Kg size). We are chuffed to bits. Hopefully that will mean we won't have to buy any this winter and they will see us through until next spring when the new potatoes that we always grow in the polytunnel will be ready, but more on that topic in the new year.<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 4<br />
<br />
Sales - Nil<br />
<br />
Expenses - NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-69679993444693584882013-12-04T07:48:00.001+00:002013-12-04T07:48:51.808+00:00UpdateApologies for not posting in ages. I'll explain.<br />
<br />
My father fell ill whilst on holiday in Austria and the coach company that he was travelling with 'dropped him off' at a hospital in Luxembourg on the way back. He spent five weeks there and was discharged a week ago. His insurance company flew him home with a Doctor escort, who then handed him over to a paramedic who drove him home to me here in Norfolk in an Ambucar. Part of his discharge from the hospital in Luxembourg was that he had to have a chest x-ray as soon as possible, so I duly took him off to my local doctor who arranged for this to be done that very afternoon at the Norfolk and Norwich University hospital in Norwich. Chest x-ray done and a doctor was called who admitted him. And he's still there! Another operation later and he's on the mend, but very weak. So our life here is taken up with hospital visiting, feeding livestock and not much else at the moment.<br />
<br />
Apologies but until all this with Dad has been sorted I won't be able to post much. We are hoping that he will be able to go home sometime next week, so please bear with me until normal service is resumed!Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-6017120843119543692013-11-19T20:07:00.001+00:002013-11-19T20:07:24.962+00:00Its Ram time!We moved the girls nearer to home last Sunday, and who was pleased to join them but Mr Onion. It's that time of year again, when us sheep keepers think about next year's lambs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpINg2nRRW3noQfrQ9O_MKJT48E-l1UfMK4_fX64Snh_GkBHlG_uipFHSFq-kilUGDG0gXy-Vznw6MSgAEktxpZUUjYF0dtJhjZGVoh7uwAIF7RTMnJg9LE7hPeWw6zmG5gA2d_i2wgV_/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpINg2nRRW3noQfrQ9O_MKJT48E-l1UfMK4_fX64Snh_GkBHlG_uipFHSFq-kilUGDG0gXy-Vznw6MSgAEktxpZUUjYF0dtJhjZGVoh7uwAIF7RTMnJg9LE7hPeWw6zmG5gA2d_i2wgV_/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The gestation period for sheep is 144 to 151 days, and using what's called a Parturition Table, this then calculates the earliest day lambing will start. So reading off the table, the tuppingdate, i.e. the date the ram was put in with the ewes, was 17th November, the table then gives lambing as 13th April, and as Mr Onion was doing his job within five minutes of joining the girls, well it won't be far off that date.<br />
<br />
We have mule ewes here as it suits our system of grazing and management. Lambing as early in April as we can (we are a bit later this year, we normally like to have the ram in by 5th November, which gives us a lambing date of 1st April). We have summer grazing here of another 10 acres approx, which is under a Countryside Stewardship agreement, which means we can only graze it between 1st April and 31st October, but it does mean that the grazing gets a rest and it's usually green and growing well by 1st April, just in time for hungry lambs!<br />
<br />
Having had rare breed sheep for a number of years, and not being pleased with the prices they were realising we decided to switch to commercial ewes and rams, and have not looked back, last year's lambs took top price at Norwich market. We even sold a cull ewe for £65, four years after purchasing them for £85 each. It was a good decision for us, but maybe doesn't suit everyone.<br />
<br />
Below are this years lambs, ready to go to market on 7th December.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2ojA2XZW1CaYoJONF9eCdVkR8FPC_oVAblcis-bjf0OQOJtFryZj8uan9cinD5WEwH7AJJylAhpIAWbD6h5YLuiXVNS2W3L1Tf41A5gTzzfeYC-t_GJqt-FdXC5LR7RVWwa7gP-X0yR6/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2ojA2XZW1CaYoJONF9eCdVkR8FPC_oVAblcis-bjf0OQOJtFryZj8uan9cinD5WEwH7AJJylAhpIAWbD6h5YLuiXVNS2W3L1Tf41A5gTzzfeYC-t_GJqt-FdXC5LR7RVWwa7gP-X0yR6/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They normally weigh 40Kg or thereabouts, but are a bit lighter this year, due to the hot summer and therefore lack of grass in front of them, which is a shame as they were doing so well at the beginning of the summer. We shall see when we get them to the market! Watch this space!<br />
<br />
Stats today -<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 3<br />
<br />
Sales -<br />
Nil<br />
<br />
Expenses -<br />
NilAngela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214676170264019824.post-6953987171109355342013-11-18T20:06:00.000+00:002013-11-18T20:06:03.280+00:00The Poultry Club of Great Britain - National Championship showWell what a day I had on Saturday, I was at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire for the above show. To say it was impressive was an understatement. Two large halls filled with Poultry of every size, shape, colour that you could imagine. It was amazing, I was completely flabbergasted at the whole experience.<br />
<br />
I went to check out breeders of a number of breeds that we are interested in having next year. I wanted to see what the best had to offer and I wasn't disappointed, in fact I didn't even get chance to see championship row as I had to come home, otherwise I would have been there until midnight. I think I got the information I needed as there were so many people to talk to, and so much to see, that I was a bit overwhelmed by it all, thankfully I had an old and dear friend with me to help - Thanks Susie, your help was invaluable.<br />
<br />
Anyway enough of me rambling here are some photo's of the day, (I did take 450!) -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6tTxYaX3GNTYPxZuDATt5Wm6n18KVQLzP1NZPGDj79CWq-oiz4m5BvgzYiHw81wgXGFvxwrE2LqLzprxubwrmTKqgm1RQsAqWXgS-_BDAD1VWi1cUHjpA4R573wC3fPuLaGokEDzo-uV/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6tTxYaX3GNTYPxZuDATt5Wm6n18KVQLzP1NZPGDj79CWq-oiz4m5BvgzYiHw81wgXGFvxwrE2LqLzprxubwrmTKqgm1RQsAqWXgS-_BDAD1VWi1cUHjpA4R573wC3fPuLaGokEDzo-uV/s320/006.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Minorca Bantams</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5e1GIUeXlZn_NuIBRKpqNp2inL9woZNIvNpRY98jTNCkNUKFoqweQh9lclboufb9p7-GwbdA8lXcrN9DBAxanV1iqLqIXHUP99p3KdmJW0brKdEWwz35gCXW0SGjIJpCtLWkcTb66jH4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5e1GIUeXlZn_NuIBRKpqNp2inL9woZNIvNpRY98jTNCkNUKFoqweQh9lclboufb9p7-GwbdA8lXcrN9DBAxanV1iqLqIXHUP99p3KdmJW0brKdEWwz35gCXW0SGjIJpCtLWkcTb66jH4/s320/008.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Minorca Bantam male</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeHFNDIBTLq_3WSkhzrxduckbemDGny_FNtNk0HzuXpoAhOyMdYzY4BO-NIo9Rnm8xBLIwJpcBU-UuaPkfd8zR0Y0lIQ_8uQwZeKnfRStR8VB0aQfGiXvY4iIpHQ8KeTGjvtbuCRasUp5/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeHFNDIBTLq_3WSkhzrxduckbemDGny_FNtNk0HzuXpoAhOyMdYzY4BO-NIo9Rnm8xBLIwJpcBU-UuaPkfd8zR0Y0lIQ_8uQwZeKnfRStR8VB0aQfGiXvY4iIpHQ8KeTGjvtbuCRasUp5/s320/010.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the clubs I may be joining next year!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2p2HWmh63oCZy0A1NwCsPS3Lp1Ko45RAKkC8xqW6vFZjEy2XGraswDJvjMu__cMTYT3EuY2S9eZ4XYUTregGZI38E5ZBnrp-mkN7p2NvZPxMG_4rZmU1WUxxMpqC0EmHQZdlzR4MHT2k/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2p2HWmh63oCZy0A1NwCsPS3Lp1Ko45RAKkC8xqW6vFZjEy2XGraswDJvjMu__cMTYT3EuY2S9eZ4XYUTregGZI38E5ZBnrp-mkN7p2NvZPxMG_4rZmU1WUxxMpqC0EmHQZdlzR4MHT2k/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Plymouth rock Bantam, Barred cockerels</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1ObRDyNBUOlMZj1zzZ0WyFqEDjma9p3hEN4FsI7lAVYfmHSIHIYFYGiioa19qBXK6oaVGvfq7vMNaptikIPxh9YhkYxEEvVcsQKoI7GyHxDYIymtkkRLyRRdGjIFrAF-MpZ7T1_ioOxW/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1ObRDyNBUOlMZj1zzZ0WyFqEDjma9p3hEN4FsI7lAVYfmHSIHIYFYGiioa19qBXK6oaVGvfq7vMNaptikIPxh9YhkYxEEvVcsQKoI7GyHxDYIymtkkRLyRRdGjIFrAF-MpZ7T1_ioOxW/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A selection of Buff Orpington bantams</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Sb59_4p1cUjNe7PmYJdrOBxiWk1kj8MZa3SACcs-gi3yDqPKpUsVveuqwx25rC8ygtkcnXeV9IRVe0tSwJp22JX1i1LgoTMQ3t6LRwD_RREbpWf0h4izqI95F5kNt-n6KikUwIXe5BK/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Sb59_4p1cUjNe7PmYJdrOBxiWk1kj8MZa3SACcs-gi3yDqPKpUsVveuqwx25rC8ygtkcnXeV9IRVe0tSwJp22JX1i1LgoTMQ3t6LRwD_RREbpWf0h4izqI95F5kNt-n6KikUwIXe5BK/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Poland bantams - a breed I fell in love with at the show</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6td55oI5JHSQQCPdR3MY9JU4NwIgyRpseepdvfyZmyJ4uvcn_wFgA5Iyxw6ElXd0Dsi-3uZscupuKWkECvfOo2TPwCLbCWWvbxScKcJ4YGHKAKOoH4xveo6IdTMjLKN-EY7hVfIWP-cN/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6td55oI5JHSQQCPdR3MY9JU4NwIgyRpseepdvfyZmyJ4uvcn_wFgA5Iyxw6ElXd0Dsi-3uZscupuKWkECvfOo2TPwCLbCWWvbxScKcJ4YGHKAKOoH4xveo6IdTMjLKN-EY7hVfIWP-cN/s320/042.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scots Dumpy - Large fowl, black hen</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RyuNNkKhLn-23MfmNOj5AFGj23bdhr9fbNqek4Gsle-jOzV4BAzQO0eiLrEdvYFyHUD5bHWcKR_haRotcBCcZyCPv5hRUzBxBLPEm7k_QBnLGyFoKN13qt4cTGZk8OCzpzIMhU8Pjz27/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RyuNNkKhLn-23MfmNOj5AFGj23bdhr9fbNqek4Gsle-jOzV4BAzQO0eiLrEdvYFyHUD5bHWcKR_haRotcBCcZyCPv5hRUzBxBLPEm7k_QBnLGyFoKN13qt4cTGZk8OCzpzIMhU8Pjz27/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scots Dumpy, pullet bantams</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghxjBgPRY5pN1vYsd6u_3SYlZCkzHHjJaVOxZbeMwRGxZc8zVrJbTZxo7o18pUQjGXdPjDTzT7nn71Q1PstvkTzXOqVDcvXi_DcmtyZ4kEM4pS8axV0tS9NOug2TfliHjdIU72TXWTeDR/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghxjBgPRY5pN1vYsd6u_3SYlZCkzHHjJaVOxZbeMwRGxZc8zVrJbTZxo7o18pUQjGXdPjDTzT7nn71Q1PstvkTzXOqVDcvXi_DcmtyZ4kEM4pS8axV0tS9NOug2TfliHjdIU72TXWTeDR/s320/062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Modern Game, bantams</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYwtr3Cu2lNeEyNjDahdVjCf-Tl9PyVCjZL2vWEdt6OvG4ZdNuEdx47XZ3LV7S9XwaSEwHB8bW5mqx68YfVoSlhSkBrsLUPFNSRfrjzE4l01KQ0e_hitfrQsVRLXvKhHK2zUh-zZTtpki/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYwtr3Cu2lNeEyNjDahdVjCf-Tl9PyVCjZL2vWEdt6OvG4ZdNuEdx47XZ3LV7S9XwaSEwHB8bW5mqx68YfVoSlhSkBrsLUPFNSRfrjzE4l01KQ0e_hitfrQsVRLXvKhHK2zUh-zZTtpki/s320/069.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Old English Game (Carlisle type), Brown Red cockerel - a handsome fellow</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9giAvIraerkNLV31ga6QiUAna_yUqw1PsBJiHyLSq-EQ-qAYYeAkMn3ANcztlP52pLCCDOwR-gJllclNstvSrr6BtE87jsseNWNDtLudT4j2bzhzh0xi2oSWbXh5Rx4ZbQv8djnfeBtE/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9giAvIraerkNLV31ga6QiUAna_yUqw1PsBJiHyLSq-EQ-qAYYeAkMn3ANcztlP52pLCCDOwR-gJllclNstvSrr6BtE87jsseNWNDtLudT4j2bzhzh0xi2oSWbXh5Rx4ZbQv8djnfeBtE/s320/093.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Japanese white cockerel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78EluqedNUOJJQ1-FnVea61W2P18L3gP2BHteOdH0mFF3Xi7rflxREhzObth7gkXEdD6XqtzqiEnYj2MdsRx7kncjclV9vUfTnTb6eHlv6YkuJ9gXNytnncXyFCHhOQGQQySORIGfsPw4/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78EluqedNUOJJQ1-FnVea61W2P18L3gP2BHteOdH0mFF3Xi7rflxREhzObth7gkXEdD6XqtzqiEnYj2MdsRx7kncjclV9vUfTnTb6eHlv6YkuJ9gXNytnncXyFCHhOQGQQySORIGfsPw4/s320/107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
White Wyandottes - a breed I'm interested in for next year</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPMBN8GQXqal_Ym2cercARM3d82QT90nIE5ogiMiFNkn0afc8BEAomXjiKrraN92AXRbtkc_r0G9Ftqr_rjnKh7Bcwj_XVuVZcMDscB3MocNjw4-rk0GPzlTcsmFqrilkTMriKMMCpACA/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPMBN8GQXqal_Ym2cercARM3d82QT90nIE5ogiMiFNkn0afc8BEAomXjiKrraN92AXRbtkc_r0G9Ftqr_rjnKh7Bcwj_XVuVZcMDscB3MocNjw4-rk0GPzlTcsmFqrilkTMriKMMCpACA/s320/120.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue Partridge Wyandotte cockerel - a stunning boy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAY6tzLG6D9eOde27_6TSIKzf0R9BrxuCXX99UERxnaTzE8kshzsj0DAx25dDRm288yB0HtZg7xvrEYxQ-evI8OIjnkXEbzuXAAgc78Wjg5D1ojXMFR5OHNHeFFXNX8bnm_nOmangL_Hb/s1600/128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAY6tzLG6D9eOde27_6TSIKzf0R9BrxuCXX99UERxnaTzE8kshzsj0DAx25dDRm288yB0HtZg7xvrEYxQ-evI8OIjnkXEbzuXAAgc78Wjg5D1ojXMFR5OHNHeFFXNX8bnm_nOmangL_Hb/s320/128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More Wyandottes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJzCLASdrsxP89xiDp7CD6HKPro8KnunKc4WIpsP0jCRjdspDOEdlrey7S3F92tItOUjBEOlsugFOKplyMyeJmsCCY_YLhsk1P-HOmcDr12zdmmtTLnIoc3s791tzx6IqpQ_OOurYIbX4/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJzCLASdrsxP89xiDp7CD6HKPro8KnunKc4WIpsP0jCRjdspDOEdlrey7S3F92tItOUjBEOlsugFOKplyMyeJmsCCY_YLhsk1P-HOmcDr12zdmmtTLnIoc3s791tzx6IqpQ_OOurYIbX4/s320/133.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Laced Wyandotte breed club stand</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIzjCK4Qn-3PDhIxUGw2rAT_PtuYwfy0qrUQGrJ1iq7-D10UhgMsPk4R-FhzVCvhryoVqWimqWWVj5rx-Ddi98L8nw3VRgkFUIFX9tYfD6-Py9n6Wy6oGead4-gHWn5hNpU3vmnYIYXbg/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIzjCK4Qn-3PDhIxUGw2rAT_PtuYwfy0qrUQGrJ1iq7-D10UhgMsPk4R-FhzVCvhryoVqWimqWWVj5rx-Ddi98L8nw3VRgkFUIFX9tYfD6-Py9n6Wy6oGead4-gHWn5hNpU3vmnYIYXbg/s320/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dutch - Gold Partridge cockerels</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5sST0VdyzdxzXHktVT4S3Midd5HuWzh4dRUCf-HlRexXeUmE_9j-zkus_iKc3css2Z8TaJNGJU4GvCzeL-vH1ywlDouvZ1L1wLrKqa3ql7nP1_qRa3UaGwkkIUzfw1biSzWpJRKz_t7T/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5sST0VdyzdxzXHktVT4S3Midd5HuWzh4dRUCf-HlRexXeUmE_9j-zkus_iKc3css2Z8TaJNGJU4GvCzeL-vH1ywlDouvZ1L1wLrKqa3ql7nP1_qRa3UaGwkkIUzfw1biSzWpJRKz_t7T/s320/142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black Pullet Rosecomb's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge926rUir6FO7LQ2-UHRxry4zvOZ3NSzo4STQ-M1o79JCiXLveqbiSHXy1Azb1bSkkvm1rHiwxbC8P40xsjTWVpaDy-oLKXhmHdVxgFMDv9Vq4aJ-cvnMm4sSNT6AlY_CWLqk7Su5PWhr4/s1600/172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge926rUir6FO7LQ2-UHRxry4zvOZ3NSzo4STQ-M1o79JCiXLveqbiSHXy1Azb1bSkkvm1rHiwxbC8P40xsjTWVpaDy-oLKXhmHdVxgFMDv9Vq4aJ-cvnMm4sSNT6AlY_CWLqk7Su5PWhr4/s320/172.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Indian Runner female, trout colour</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDpblYk7geGk3JlkQrxVkl-X-BzpIx09aqArrKedxeALVqPCLBC0Kf4jRgwlXZYA5YHzL8k02Kflaae63B20k1P1ePKPUS2KHYEVFlaehCh5ccReMLmDjRpKR4OiO5jDl-580_sTcQUs/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDpblYk7geGk3JlkQrxVkl-X-BzpIx09aqArrKedxeALVqPCLBC0Kf4jRgwlXZYA5YHzL8k02Kflaae63B20k1P1ePKPUS2KHYEVFlaehCh5ccReMLmDjRpKR4OiO5jDl-580_sTcQUs/s320/181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Indian Runner females, fawn/white colour</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_pRhc8mCCADfVpqqqkmelfLFYpM1833U-nUbaX7vDp2vL1mrrR99P_-_WMTehp82RQCtEEPHUP3vyP4bgbxLGIaCLIoo8GDVaVo3RYNALAsQMQmjL4zn73OR7SPE0CHtUa3AwIHgN-Bq/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_pRhc8mCCADfVpqqqkmelfLFYpM1833U-nUbaX7vDp2vL1mrrR99P_-_WMTehp82RQCtEEPHUP3vyP4bgbxLGIaCLIoo8GDVaVo3RYNALAsQMQmjL4zn73OR7SPE0CHtUa3AwIHgN-Bq/s320/185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Muscovy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmTi7fuozik87hzayrJTWEgACtiVGvBNAw7VbiPKqjZEKn0ym9r3sEsJWwjI2ZjN-xY4189WweJSwrLDmN4lKaka0APcwgoODtadA_nzLpdx-8ZY-u9HjBOwTHje7y010UgYYbGLfIKML/s1600/188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmTi7fuozik87hzayrJTWEgACtiVGvBNAw7VbiPKqjZEKn0ym9r3sEsJWwjI2ZjN-xY4189WweJSwrLDmN4lKaka0APcwgoODtadA_nzLpdx-8ZY-u9HjBOwTHje7y010UgYYbGLfIKML/s320/188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhken5hcAKhltQKGVXWuDFel2XUwGu2OWcy0nK_JX0tzCTgI98UXRhr52njx9ZUdmriz8N5IVY5977zSY_Ixbk9LwFrdms2TMnBps61X_Xlnd3O7c6iP2tkB7d_Zgssa6qDpudGJmjJw-cO/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhken5hcAKhltQKGVXWuDFel2XUwGu2OWcy0nK_JX0tzCTgI98UXRhr52njx9ZUdmriz8N5IVY5977zSY_Ixbk9LwFrdms2TMnBps61X_Xlnd3O7c6iP2tkB7d_Zgssa6qDpudGJmjJw-cO/s320/191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUI8M-lAWW8-mCmHXFIxfSr9mu32oXLnJmnMRewZWdE3J9esYxAnrZXQm-XU-_wa1sjJaA3BSDQh6UcrivO_owPM5e7G-mU8hsW5q_2vLYAMVzo7Jwx5D8OjwbHv-t4ny9GXm2uaEnLXW/s1600/193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUI8M-lAWW8-mCmHXFIxfSr9mu32oXLnJmnMRewZWdE3J9esYxAnrZXQm-XU-_wa1sjJaA3BSDQh6UcrivO_owPM5e7G-mU8hsW5q_2vLYAMVzo7Jwx5D8OjwbHv-t4ny9GXm2uaEnLXW/s320/193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5sFCXpqmtN7KsJUWymO0LCmemrZ7IOehMlJGc732Fez9V9zrO3GnYZVgIrI9m5CTvIQbs-RNKYRlFXAiF3HoPx3pg_BNAJv12kspjO6U1aKqVDAb0jSC2xcLXnI05YPSgjE1oGGONl7I/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5sFCXpqmtN7KsJUWymO0LCmemrZ7IOehMlJGc732Fez9V9zrO3GnYZVgIrI9m5CTvIQbs-RNKYRlFXAiF3HoPx3pg_BNAJv12kspjO6U1aKqVDAb0jSC2xcLXnI05YPSgjE1oGGONl7I/s320/195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The amazing incubators and associated equipment stand</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJr9zjHy4As0SONuO5PQ3DtJJ9dz6KIT_n3lkotf2oV5UOsswjGwMAqB-9wcLDgthVe2eclauNYCVALP4LQvPJ07NfUeuJiS6WWvenYhnS_wozmPGWwU2HwFHgKGkiE0QzbpfmTvhvx8/s1600/202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyJr9zjHy4As0SONuO5PQ3DtJJ9dz6KIT_n3lkotf2oV5UOsswjGwMAqB-9wcLDgthVe2eclauNYCVALP4LQvPJ07NfUeuJiS6WWvenYhnS_wozmPGWwU2HwFHgKGkiE0QzbpfmTvhvx8/s320/202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Male Pekin ducks</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH0ofXRH_XtCOnXWHhyphenhyphenqeZaQf4BK4l7jd0aQsKasdUppGttwbJarsNOiAKN5Py60KF3YtXrn19LMgWEFuyoi3F94DXyt59AcvFF-RgLWql0RsLEOAgIsXiUj2yBwCGM8idFYIr9gfLxzz/s1600/219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH0ofXRH_XtCOnXWHhyphenhyphenqeZaQf4BK4l7jd0aQsKasdUppGttwbJarsNOiAKN5Py60KF3YtXrn19LMgWEFuyoi3F94DXyt59AcvFF-RgLWql0RsLEOAgIsXiUj2yBwCGM8idFYIr9gfLxzz/s320/219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sebrights</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC44bygnZsOnz7f8XKdm9-UhzspFYojEum-3MhY94cdURWGesxq5RDT7Pn61zLOCNpjKAGdaRkmLmqrX1hpthIS62ASg7oh0H30-7euUxQrK-xEPvmEdst8yNTtgZoeeHmimsrYRYGIUD/s1600/232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC44bygnZsOnz7f8XKdm9-UhzspFYojEum-3MhY94cdURWGesxq5RDT7Pn61zLOCNpjKAGdaRkmLmqrX1hpthIS62ASg7oh0H30-7euUxQrK-xEPvmEdst8yNTtgZoeeHmimsrYRYGIUD/s320/232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sebastopol geese</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkki8xDxY45chV2SYwQoxSyMY9cBiEeK03eyU1MZKvyVHFc5Nl6llH8wd1zRfRIqUbngH6uzIoKTBaM2QG5ZxmN-owoJyT5pKtw4MRX5U_LmF_6T2QejJ69qi-5eqBAuvw1WpiQSBf-X2/s1600/250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkki8xDxY45chV2SYwQoxSyMY9cBiEeK03eyU1MZKvyVHFc5Nl6llH8wd1zRfRIqUbngH6uzIoKTBaM2QG5ZxmN-owoJyT5pKtw4MRX5U_LmF_6T2QejJ69qi-5eqBAuvw1WpiQSBf-X2/s320/250.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chinese male goose</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CAchukLDeGd-B1eA1W2MCZ97_K1TXxpDMDKz_3E_DB3fUCggbDsMWySHTsjsXGuQRTLmmpVuG5lWYi0WK20VASuNU5V27pVAXBHNUYCjfLqhBSbg-Zcx5IhCqv9ujEF1qlOAgw4HeAil/s1600/252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CAchukLDeGd-B1eA1W2MCZ97_K1TXxpDMDKz_3E_DB3fUCggbDsMWySHTsjsXGuQRTLmmpVuG5lWYi0WK20VASuNU5V27pVAXBHNUYCjfLqhBSbg-Zcx5IhCqv9ujEF1qlOAgw4HeAil/s320/252.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chinese male geese</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO61mRtLdBoMSQixi_t3ng7vRLEAor-iGpuFcZQBL_i89R2sL6H08MJUjr6FuH1G2epQTNKVwcjywu8KZN71JOIanMCUIo_6vReUrtq0N5hQtgRP-eQPAFaapProKDHsIXGz7iMtH9DS-/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO61mRtLdBoMSQixi_t3ng7vRLEAor-iGpuFcZQBL_i89R2sL6H08MJUjr6FuH1G2epQTNKVwcjywu8KZN71JOIanMCUIo_6vReUrtq0N5hQtgRP-eQPAFaapProKDHsIXGz7iMtH9DS-/s320/259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trio of lovely Buff Orpington Bantams</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrVYrTBtg2UT_t7R3QL90HJ3YRS9EjTxa12pI6XdWfdrumFzg5PuFtntVZhE8xe1Eb2HvfN3VACONF2fKop4GBG_mckZPDnF8hsmZvC8_mfVVE9MEhft0VOPwe07JGDJpWII4gwiu6smX/s1600/267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrVYrTBtg2UT_t7R3QL90HJ3YRS9EjTxa12pI6XdWfdrumFzg5PuFtntVZhE8xe1Eb2HvfN3VACONF2fKop4GBG_mckZPDnF8hsmZvC8_mfVVE9MEhft0VOPwe07JGDJpWII4gwiu6smX/s320/267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sebright trio</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLLT-_ZAHo9GgDXszjKt-iBtjen7HWqu_KwLNQWEvuDmHLOuwzvfec9DgCQQcS33MojBS69kAuF2XbuVmW-dGIpikGZhhmPjp5LbKUnLJebZCqlTc88UrENuRKnTD2cwa_m7x1KE1jy_q/s1600/282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLLT-_ZAHo9GgDXszjKt-iBtjen7HWqu_KwLNQWEvuDmHLOuwzvfec9DgCQQcS33MojBS69kAuF2XbuVmW-dGIpikGZhhmPjp5LbKUnLJebZCqlTc88UrENuRKnTD2cwa_m7x1KE1jy_q/s320/282.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Champion Old English Game (Carlisle type) cockerel - well done indeed</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf3RH7huoPpKc6W0QhjIbkgsC80yX1JIWl3UR_UDhKn7tIXobfhidv3ooWlxwtEotG4nBSi3pC_uXTzKtmZLj_r7AF7wUIrSTsSrm1ho5UbmjwLHhc1Scx6fv0OtmQpaaauJWzOo1FT6Y/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf3RH7huoPpKc6W0QhjIbkgsC80yX1JIWl3UR_UDhKn7tIXobfhidv3ooWlxwtEotG4nBSi3pC_uXTzKtmZLj_r7AF7wUIrSTsSrm1ho5UbmjwLHhc1Scx6fv0OtmQpaaauJWzOo1FT6Y/s320/284.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Indian Game cockerel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEVadh5l5TEwwWmPu6UnsCJRvPM2RymtWIUp5UpB4Q9cFNTH5K7_edCJnG9SAeAPhBS3zqCzWa749k_Efob9OeDom2VW3w3H1KUrNJzdUe4zq2tBiR3TAi7yKT4mAjaNsymWbVftnuj8E/s1600/291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEVadh5l5TEwwWmPu6UnsCJRvPM2RymtWIUp5UpB4Q9cFNTH5K7_edCJnG9SAeAPhBS3zqCzWa749k_Efob9OeDom2VW3w3H1KUrNJzdUe4zq2tBiR3TAi7yKT4mAjaNsymWbVftnuj8E/s320/291.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trio of Sebastopol's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmwnuOzbpoj27ZCgZbEOmlBCp0xpMILGCB5xDi5BtGdDFD0uBM0ZpdYxnTl5Cxw1oMH9Pa1WzMzfjk0sIG9t8fQ_tFh1VEy83BBpIkAiG20PjQXttz83KA8n90-_oFiYK0rCQ-u-J0Uwb/s1600/296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmwnuOzbpoj27ZCgZbEOmlBCp0xpMILGCB5xDi5BtGdDFD0uBM0ZpdYxnTl5Cxw1oMH9Pa1WzMzfjk0sIG9t8fQ_tFh1VEy83BBpIkAiG20PjQXttz83KA8n90-_oFiYK0rCQ-u-J0Uwb/s320/296.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
White male Turkey</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeb1AngFC_KnQ0ZR20lrQcQnrhOcfIfWaZsxI41ZyjQkldIcbWeY5im_hYhxUWwTF3l3QwICl6s-eNoP4o2WiEp8GEfNedPH-ql21LPTToIZgQpOaDWbYY7m-YfJvpt8KseCsSElsOJWq/s1600/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeb1AngFC_KnQ0ZR20lrQcQnrhOcfIfWaZsxI41ZyjQkldIcbWeY5im_hYhxUWwTF3l3QwICl6s-eNoP4o2WiEp8GEfNedPH-ql21LPTToIZgQpOaDWbYY7m-YfJvpt8KseCsSElsOJWq/s320/305.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt7dpNaAveJS3v6VKLjGNytoUy519F-xYsrRRByvbEo5A4BmRI85dsFKGvD5_1-4wzmUHGwWOhJRl48NqHJcmsgly3zLBhVkJtZbsysbXbEryCBQ1rDSje3mJvf8mHnKvvmvVwwf4Ioam/s1600/306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt7dpNaAveJS3v6VKLjGNytoUy519F-xYsrRRByvbEo5A4BmRI85dsFKGvD5_1-4wzmUHGwWOhJRl48NqHJcmsgly3zLBhVkJtZbsysbXbEryCBQ1rDSje3mJvf8mHnKvvmvVwwf4Ioam/s320/306.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhEbS9KwWDKeOIz0huTBN2foxeaxwKbMo_h0u0r_wx_0h7luXnCBP5oqtA9EIBmQSLJh2-x9w-DSXF4wH9_I71g4qacm94jxHj6cBG6SNiEhnlRn4J8IH7LIFF9HNoXltuujsM1omNT72/s1600/316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhEbS9KwWDKeOIz0huTBN2foxeaxwKbMo_h0u0r_wx_0h7luXnCBP5oqtA9EIBmQSLJh2-x9w-DSXF4wH9_I71g4qacm94jxHj6cBG6SNiEhnlRn4J8IH7LIFF9HNoXltuujsM1omNT72/s320/316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Large fowl Dorking's, red Hen and cockerel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc_t-neM9fiVaundn0PrHk_-HFtorTwXmg0R0UhVn3ETapLT2M39fV703Z_gy6z07jhxfnqfuEEWrCCmKks-yyV3P4SPE_ZOEseF3GOEodJ8gsLeoTvmHu0e2nJXkkcPQqoVlEGHgQidv/s1600/333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc_t-neM9fiVaundn0PrHk_-HFtorTwXmg0R0UhVn3ETapLT2M39fV703Z_gy6z07jhxfnqfuEEWrCCmKks-yyV3P4SPE_ZOEseF3GOEodJ8gsLeoTvmHu0e2nJXkkcPQqoVlEGHgQidv/s320/333.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The egg table! Very impressive</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NX4IiWD47sWJjQ3vbwHJIr4dnQTkFfONKRr5bdXBvEHs2IDxqGwoEyhkeVz0EmFlsj9ilEjev2OKWMck-ap-elcbrTfc2e6QT0cvm3HanOjMB3d8wrxZraMWO5cLCTnJ9Bu8bNB2NOh-/s1600/347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NX4IiWD47sWJjQ3vbwHJIr4dnQTkFfONKRr5bdXBvEHs2IDxqGwoEyhkeVz0EmFlsj9ilEjev2OKWMck-ap-elcbrTfc2e6QT0cvm3HanOjMB3d8wrxZraMWO5cLCTnJ9Bu8bNB2NOh-/s320/347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Decorated eggs in competition</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEMlQBlH4bBf70m4jF2WaQ7DGGEiNGv37mgdroinADbgchYQII89djvSP00VKYCCpqXdvQpAOA3KArXgeqMZzvgRVvo_Kss0Ky5DGYN6t2Fju-YwqjzvOYjGbI6Sl1CKaC8FXKNArCz0n/s1600/353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEMlQBlH4bBf70m4jF2WaQ7DGGEiNGv37mgdroinADbgchYQII89djvSP00VKYCCpqXdvQpAOA3KArXgeqMZzvgRVvo_Kss0Ky5DGYN6t2Fju-YwqjzvOYjGbI6Sl1CKaC8FXKNArCz0n/s320/353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vorwerk cockerel's</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi3Sd8Sp9dlUw9cqwkPvB2HprG0EC_37YpT4wpWogTcinVZH_tcNAg4ImXMAEpRtT2fjdlazCptwM23cpPsKhDGfL_bH4OoyhF16De-6an3X6xIdGdR1iRoD_NnVOlQ3QawQkvdjx5xv6/s1600/365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi3Sd8Sp9dlUw9cqwkPvB2HprG0EC_37YpT4wpWogTcinVZH_tcNAg4ImXMAEpRtT2fjdlazCptwM23cpPsKhDGfL_bH4OoyhF16De-6an3X6xIdGdR1iRoD_NnVOlQ3QawQkvdjx5xv6/s320/365.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rare Poultry - True bantam</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI55tRc2ceP9xW0ro9-JOytz0BUhqEaKRogzmKiQRRihSzvm4PJgAHOGdASlk1saGIMuFgWB0IX7_3nISsX4u992FivX4hqER4ExOk89BidALhBA7DXc9xz3ZSuwlPs1O4-Quf4DnhSxj/s1600/387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI55tRc2ceP9xW0ro9-JOytz0BUhqEaKRogzmKiQRRihSzvm4PJgAHOGdASlk1saGIMuFgWB0IX7_3nISsX4u992FivX4hqER4ExOk89BidALhBA7DXc9xz3ZSuwlPs1O4-Quf4DnhSxj/s320/387.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Silver spangled pullet, large fowl</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSWBpSFLip4DqseinyU2uFtAMcTYX1qJsksvNll4ijQuW3zXov3-cxlIVsOnu9pEUJGBrGNlDfWVgNsIzGkmH3Zwj1F1RupUEiNt64Grck6XJHBlyza0xmwHMtvYQRhvwj1_CT0ZqjiaM/s1600/392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSWBpSFLip4DqseinyU2uFtAMcTYX1qJsksvNll4ijQuW3zXov3-cxlIVsOnu9pEUJGBrGNlDfWVgNsIzGkmH3Zwj1F1RupUEiNt64Grck6XJHBlyza0xmwHMtvYQRhvwj1_CT0ZqjiaM/s320/392.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As above</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmQ4BkVZSWTixFGBqpFN693EJAdbkWoikR07OnetoqLW771x8nF70YvbaaElNFs5ruUWdXd2oBhpfvxqbXs1DQPMYqSF7-Br5SlXUlkmW72e1dl0Dds-CRv8l6JBv5A3SOUm6T2FL0U8u/s1600/423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmQ4BkVZSWTixFGBqpFN693EJAdbkWoikR07OnetoqLW771x8nF70YvbaaElNFs5ruUWdXd2oBhpfvxqbXs1DQPMYqSF7-Br5SlXUlkmW72e1dl0Dds-CRv8l6JBv5A3SOUm6T2FL0U8u/s320/423.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJHX2_OLHpey7-rH90L-E2fjLlG-xyjddjrXh7hmZwWMJfM4M4UwLw2YmunEnlPReZ1x1QVUPJ-mecg9YT71Rvc-lBZPukPuhXxfHC48FjrNW8B2NmJz3v0VWKE-emW_OBgajjhHy-xAt/s1600/447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJHX2_OLHpey7-rH90L-E2fjLlG-xyjddjrXh7hmZwWMJfM4M4UwLw2YmunEnlPReZ1x1QVUPJ-mecg9YT71Rvc-lBZPukPuhXxfHC48FjrNW8B2NmJz3v0VWKE-emW_OBgajjhHy-xAt/s320/447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuoGw2XPMX7YmH35eghR4HF85fDhJ9pxmnrlteTWcPCMeF13tqJibQSr8OO207IdZmodJSexontn72rR5YWsaPI6dIjUSjp_rdEMQX024iwV3KRxq9FfOAp0WfyrkyJcroz1Lt1FIFQ8V/s1600/448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuoGw2XPMX7YmH35eghR4HF85fDhJ9pxmnrlteTWcPCMeF13tqJibQSr8OO207IdZmodJSexontn72rR5YWsaPI6dIjUSjp_rdEMQX024iwV3KRxq9FfOAp0WfyrkyJcroz1Lt1FIFQ8V/s320/448.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The above three photos just give you some idea as to what was for sale and how much.</div>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed looking through this small selection of photo's. If you've never been to a poultry show, then I would certainly recommend going, even just for curiosity reasons. You never know you may find a breed that you absolutely 'must have', like I did with the Poland's.<br />
<br />
Stats today<br />
<br />
Eggs produced = 4<br />
<br />
Sales - Nil<br />
Expenses - Nil<br />
<br />Angela Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01484560111952179596noreply@blogger.com2