A new worry

We had a little lie in this morning – didn't get going until about 8-ish. Skye was in heaven and was having such a good sleep I didn't think she would ever wake up. I don't much like a lie in, even though I knew it wasn't a day off you just can't be sure. Anyway, once we were up and about we had a good look round, and found that the cows we moved yesterday seemed to have lost the use of their legs they were so full. Every single one of them (including the calves) were lying down. Lazy devils I say, but I could see that Skye was envious.
Daisy came out to see us this morning – usually she potters about at home, but this morning she made such a fuss she was brought out for a walk. She had clearly just had a bath - looked like a Persil advert she was so clean, but she didn't look so good when she went back in again I'm afraid. She's a mucky little pup really, so it looks like she'll be down with us again tonight.
Not that I'll get much sleep. Skye said she thought she heard chat this evening about selling some of my gimmers. It always happens to me in September – out they go, to be replaced by ewe lambs. I don't understand why I can't have both - I've just got the gimmers nicely behaved (if we've got to get rid of some sheep, I say let the pet lambs go.  They're nothing but trouble). And what happens if the lorry that brings my new lambs gets lost? It's just one worry after another, but let's hope Skye just misheard. Yes, that's what I'll tell myself – she must be mistaken, after all we've just bought a lambing caravan so we must be keeping all the gimmers...definitely...
Here's a picture of some of them looking happy to be here.  I'll run a "bleat if you want to stay campaign" just to make sure...

Take care

Moving cattle

I've had another busy morning. We've been thinking about moving Flakey and his cows for a day or so, and yesterday we finished repairing the fence in their new field, so today we opened the gate for them and stood back. They were ready to move, that's for sure and got their heads into the new grass straight away. Chomp, chomp, chomp.

Flakey is one of our Charolais bulls and he's huge – really, really huge (the others are pretty big too). He's a nice old fellow but I keep my distance from him. I think he's a bit spoilt as well – often he gets a long scratch when we check the fields in the morning even before we check the sheep. I don't really mind but usually I'm keen to finish my jobs before we get too distracted.

Here's a picture of Flakey looking for a scratch. What a big soft lump he is.  Don't you think?

Take care

Daisy’s trim trail

It was a little bit warmer today and we had a lovely morning pottering about catching up on some jobs and tidying up a bit. Skye even helped again today – couldn't help herself – so she'd better not grumble that she's not well...

There's always something to help with, either that or I've got Skye and Daisy to keep an eye on.

Daisy was down with us again last night – she got absolutely filthy, but give her credit she doesn't grumble about it. She's a proper little terrier, never happier than when she's pottering about in the mud. We had a lovely game in the garden later in the day – Daisy has these toys she keeps in there and we all played 'Grab it and run like mad until someone catches you up'. Fantastic fun, but I have to let them catch me every now and then. Then Daisy set off on the 'trim trail' she's got set up in the garden. Round the weeping willow, touch a toy, round the pond, touch a toy. On and on and on she goes. It looks exhausting, but I just let her get on with it as I can't risk pulling a muscle. Skye is worried she couldn't keep up so just gives her some encouragement while she catches up on her beauty sleep (surely a waste of time, ha!ha!). She loves that little dog and has done since it first arrived. Needless to say, I wasn't too keen on her and growled for a long time, but I can't help not liking other dogs can I? I only growl now if her little white pal comes to visit (I can't tell them apart when they start jabbering about under my nose)

I've got a feeling this will be a busy week. Sheep, barley to cut, topping, spraying, collecting straw, more sheep (with any luck). Better get my beauty sleep anyway

Take care

Wet weekend

We had a wet, cold and rainy day today. It must be a bank holiday...Emigration is on the cards again. Definitely. I might leave Daisy behind though – she's still grumbling about having her chip put in, and that was Friday. She's trying to persuade Skye to bite the vet next time we go in, but even Skye is brighter than that and just ignores her. I said we'd only do it if Daisy gave us her tea one night. Daisy switched the subject pretty quickly after that, I can tell you. She's got a lot to learn.

Yesterday was wet as well. We went out fencing (again, but I'm not grumbling) and got very wet. Well, in fact, I got myself under the pick-up when it started getting bad, but Daisy and Skye were scampering around for ages in the wet. Eventually they saw me in the dry and came in all wet to ruin my rest. We don't usually take Daisy out but she seemed to enjoy it – she even seemed to enjoy getting soaking wet. She's a strange one alright, but I'm getting to quite like her. She certainly seemed to enjoy her day more than Jerry, but he can be a grumpy old devil. Mind you, I'll be as pleased as he is when the fence is done!

I had a night off last night – too wet to concentrate, but up bright and early today raring to go. When it's cold I just run about even more, and even Skye got off the bike today (for a while anyway) so she must be getting better – although she says not. I think she might be swinging the lead. Daisy thought that sounded like a good game and could she play too... oh dear, oh dear the things I have to put up with. Anyway, even the cows were feeling the cold this morning and would have come in with us if they had a chance, so we had to be a bit nippy in and out of the fields. Oh, and we had a couple of poorly lambs to inject yesterday that seemed a bit better this morning

This afternoon we three just relaxed together on our comfy new beds. Even I think that's not too bad a way to spend a wet Sunday. Dreaming about sheep, almost a shame to wake up for tea (Daisy ate hers all up herself for the record, so the vet can relax)

A worrying trip to the vet

We had a right carry on this morning – the steers and lambs were all muddled up again, the little devils. I should be careful wishing for more work in future I think because I certainly had plenty of work to do sorting that out. I don't think they'll be doing that again.

Later on we were all bundled into the pick-up for a trip into Berwick. I was a bit suspicious about it, but I quite enjoy a trip so I wasn't too bothered. Skye loves the car more than all of us and was enjoying herself, and Daisy was just pushing her luck hopping up and down most of the way. When we pulled up I knew exactly where we were. The vet. Uh-oh.

I always drag my heels going in – I don't like other dogs. Any size, shape and age are all a worry so I let Skye and Daisy go in first. Skye is ever so brave and rushes straight in – no one ever gives her any trouble so I stick close to her. Daisy thinks everyone is her friend so really likes the vet's – getting under everyone's feet. In fact the vet was quite nice and we only had our booster so it wasn't too bad. Skye really liked her. Daisy had her chip put in as well as her jab – what a fuss she made about that – I thought we'd be thrown out she was yelping so much, but no such luck! (I can't think we ever made as much fuss as that). She didn't like the vet as much after that, the little rascal and looked relieved to be back in the car.

I was really pleased to get home, I can tell you. Even if we have a quiet few days I won't be grumbling.

Getting a list of jobs

Well, that's it! I'm going to put in a complaint. It's been another lovely day, and we've got a list of sheep jobs as long as Skye's tail so what have we been doing today? Finishing off the fence, that's what. At least it's nearly done now – at last!!! Skye says she likes fencing and I should be more patient, but it's hard watching when you just want to be doing something – both Skye and Daisy say it's the other way around – it's hard doing things when you want to be watching someone else doing them instead. Seems to me the only jobs they don't delegate is eating and sleeping. It just as well I like them.

I was right about the lambs last night – they had got into the steers field again so we had more work first thing putting them back and securing the gates a bit better. That's the trouble if they think the grass is greener in the other field, they'll keep trying. It doesn't help that the steers have got better grass than them either! One thing is for sure though, they'll get fed up of it before I get fed up putting them back into the right field.

Anyway, I think I'll get myself a notebook tonight (if I can keep awake) then put all the sheep jobs into it,put down a date to do them, and then leave it out at breakfast as a bit of a hint. Skye and Daisy say they'll help decorating the cover, to make it hard to lose, and they've been whispering about what to put on it ever since. I might regret letting them help.

Take care

Sheep troubles

Another nice sunny day. We were up early to make the most of it, even Skye, but not the Princess – not coming out with us in the morning means she gets a lazy lie-in every day. Boring, boring, boring...

Just as well I was so full of beans because there were lambs in with the steers (last year's male calves). Looks like the cattle had chewed away at the gate until it came open and let the sheep in. I didn't let them stay in there long though and soon had them all rounded up and sent packing back where they belonged. Fancy them thinking they can just roam about – but in my experience that's the trouble with sheep, they just don't seem to appreciate all the hours that go into fencing fields off to make them safe...ungrateful little sods.

I'm not sure, but I thought I heard a commotion coming from them again this evening – I'm going to be really cross with them if they've barged their way though again.

We've nearly finished the fence today. While we were working away, we spotted a lamb stuck in the fence so Brendan and I went off to free it. Silly great big thing was properly stuck, but one sight of me on the back of the bike soon freed it and it went bleating off to find it's mum as if it hadn't been fed for days (and it wasn't stuck this morning when we looked round, so it hadn't been there long!)

Oh well, a farm assistant's life is certainly a busy one, but I do enjoy it and always sleep well ready for tomorrow (still very impressed with my new bed).

Take care

Grass

We all got plenty of sleep in the end – Tinker was too tired to keep us up. Just as well as we were up early to finish cleaning the sprayer and have a good look round.

I'm pleased we did as the cows up with the Angus bull were pushing at the fence to get some extra grass. We decided to move them into the old hay field later in the day so no doubt they'll be overeating even as I write this. One of the cows in the field is 20 years old and was one of the first through the gate so clearly she's learnt quite a lot in her life – must be a lot brighter than they look. I quite like them though and Skye and I are both pleased they've got plenty to eat – after all they do pretty well on just grass. Don't ask me how they manage it – I certainly wouldn't thank you for that to eat. In fact, Daisy still doesn't believe that they get that big eating grass, and she is convinced they've got big bowls of biscuits tucked away somewhere (she's only a puppy).

Brendan was back again today. I was worried at first though Skye was happy enough – we thought it was Thursday, his usual day. I thought the week couldn't possibly have gone past that fast, and Skye was hoping it had and that the weekend was ahead. Once I realised it was still Tuesday, I was pleased to see him (so was Skye once she was over her disappointment) and we went off to get some more fencing done. I'm getting to quite like it now, as I just doze on the bike until I see lambs being mischievous, then I spring into action like a coiled spring. Well, I get off the bike and round them up at least.

Here's Brendan with Daisy, Skye and Tinker, his fan club organisers. Looks like they're up to no good if you ask me.

Daisy was asking Brendan today if he eats grass to get so tall – just give me strength! I told her Brendan would eat her if she wasn't careful, but for once she didn't believe me and hopped up onto his knee. Maybe, like the old cow, she's starting to learn some things – I certainly hope so.

Take care

Tinker

Up bright and early this morning - nice and sunny again. Monday's a great day – my favourite – with a whole week's work ahead and no breaks or days off or other nonsense (like holidays). I love my work.

We had our usual good look around everything today – a couple of gimmers I need to keep my eye on tomorrow, and the steers were MILES away at the other side of their field, but otherwise all OK. Skye had a rest on the bike again. She definitely does not like Mondays, and grumbles her way around until about Thursday as far as I can tell. I don't think Daisy has worked out yet that some days are different than others and just barrels around all day every day.

Today we have been getting some more fencing done and also getting the barley ready for combining in a couple of weeks time. I sit in the tractor and keep an eye on the sprayer.

Our cat, Tinker, has been coming in a bit more recently so I reckon it must be getting a bit cooler at night. She sleeps in with Skye and me when she is in and has all sorts of stories about what she gets up to during the day. You'll never believe it, but she catches a lot of her own food and often turns her nose up at what she's given to eat indoors. Imagine that. Skye and Daisy just can't believe it and say they would just worry all the time about ever getting enough to eat if they had to find some themselves. Daisy thinks Tinker is just amazing. I think she sometimes exaggerates, and poor old Skye just worries about her all the time and is much happier when she's indoors. Anyway, tonight it looks like she's indoors, so all's well and it looks as though we'll get another evening of stories.

Here's a picture of Tinker looking happy

Take care

A rest day

A rest day today – Limpy Lil (Skye) was happier than me about it, but hopefully her leg will be better quicker if she rests it. I wouldn't ever tell her, but I'm quite fond of her really and don't like to see her hopping about.

Somehow Daisy cleaned herself up enough to get upstairs again last night – she was very pleased with herself. I wouldn't like to think there are double standards at play, but she looked pretty dirty to me...anyway, tonight she's had a bath and is squeaky clean. She really enjoys her bath. Limpy Lil does too, which leaves me in a mucky minority of one.  I don't care at all - Jerry says you don't have to be clean to be a good worker, which is just fine by me...

The pristine pair



Daisy tries plumbing

The weather is definitely on the mend now and I'm pleased I didn't emigrate when it was so wet. Just as well I didn't because Skye has got her limp back at present and is not looking like getting amongst the sheep for quite a while. Funnily enough it doesn't seem to stop her fencing though...Anyway, she's enjoying the sympathy and told me quietly last night that she may not be back at work for ages. She certainly got into the swing of it quickly – being helped onto the bike this morning and staying there until we got back an hour or so later.

Good news is the gimmer from yesterday is no worse. No better, but no worse is OK for a day or so as they'll all be coming in soon for a once over.

Skye, Daisy, and I helped out changing the water pump over this afternoon – and what a messy job that was. Skye and I have seen it before and kept well clear of all the pipes, but Daisy hadn't. Anyway, she was all fluffy and white this morning, but now she's not. In fact she's very dirty indeed – definitely a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 (I have scored higher on a sheep day in winter). I don't know who's in the most trouble with Mandy – Daisy or Jerry for letting her get so dirty. I'm guessing it's not Daisy ("isn't she perfect") and so is Skye. We're going to be keeping a very low profile until it's very clearly not our fault.

We'll see what happens later, but Daisy made it to the upstairs kennel last night. Skye says if she could count beyond four she'd run a betting book wondering if she gets back up tonight (mind you, we reckon she's no chance unless she gets a bath first). Maybe with all this spare time coming up Syke might teach herself to count....

Take care

Daisy’s trip out

Poor old Daisy spent another night with Skye and I last night (came in with muddy feet late on, oh dear, so no upstairs kennel for her then). Skye took pity on her and let her have a bit of our new bed. Plenty of room for us all though and I think she was impressed with what nice beds we've got. Let's just hope she comes in clean tonight though, otherwise I'm sure there will be tears.

Brendan was here again and we were putting the fence back up today. I had to break off for a while and check a poorly gimmer – looks like the silly thing has bumped it's horn, so that's something I'll be looking at carefully first thing tomorrow. Gimmers are 18 month old sheep – I quite like them but they are absolutely bonkers – its run, run, run every time they see me so I have to work hard to gather them up. Skye hates gimmers as they are faster than she is but she tried hard today, bless her (not that I needed the help you understand).

At lunch time Daisy told us all about her morning – she went to the wood yard to help pick up some more posts for us and was telling us all about the big machines she saw. She's still only a puppy and hasn't travelled much so gets excited when she goes out. Then she was straight up onto Brendan' knee again – he's a lot more patient than me with her that's for sure. If she gets too close to me, I growl a grumble. Works wonders, but I've got an important job and need my rest with a busy afternoon ahead.

The fence is starting to look better now – should be perfect next year to keep the lambs in, which is a mixed blessing as I enjoy getting them back if they do escape!

Take care

A fencing sort of day

Had a cracking nights sleep.  Dreamt about keeping the lambs off my new bed. 
Jerry went off to fetch Brendan this morning.  We like him Skye and I, but especially Daisy does.  He lets her sit on his knee. 

Brendan helps out with jobs around the farm, so I knew today was a day to be busy.  I had some hope early on that it would be one of my list of sheep jobs, but no such luck – it was fencing. I didn’t mind much though as we were right next to the Quarry field which has plently of ewes and lambs in.  I kept them in the right place as we took the old fence down. 

Skye had a really nice day – she loves fencing, and spends all day with her head in holes. It seems even Skye can’t get into too much bother with her head below ground (unlike this morning when she and the Princess got into alot of bother for digging a huge hole under the pond pump in the garden).  All seems a bit pointless to me as nothing ever comes out of the holes she watches so carefully, but she just gets cross when you talk to her about it and says the reason nothing ever comes out is because she is watching.  I despair. 

Skye thinking about another hole

No more info from Daisy about what else she saw in the caravan.  She’s not very observant at times – I mean, she can spot tiny amounts food at 100 paces, but never anything I might find interesting.  I’m hoping I can try the caravan out soon, it would be good to get away from the dogs occasionally – they’re both very demanding.

Off to bed - no hardship there though.

A New Bed

It's been a good day today. We had a nice sunny start and everything where it was supposed to be. Later on I sat in the tractor while we put fertiliser into the old hay field, so we can put some cows or sheep in there in a few days.

When we got in, I noticed that Daisy had her pal Dougal round to play – hard not to notice them bouncing about under your nose. Anyway, I growled at them both and they kept a pretty low profile after that.

Things picked up soon though - I got a new bed delivered, which was a surprise. Very nice it is - big and comfy. Skye got one as well and we tried them out straight away. I can't remember anything much after lying down and certainly don't remember counting any of my sheep, which I always look forward to before going to sleep. Skye is still flat out now so I'd better check soon to make sure she's still breathing

Daisy – the little rat – sneaked into the caravan today. Mind you she got sneaked out again pretty damn quick (twice, so ten out of ten for persistence). I was straight over to quiz her about the beds etc before she forgot (she's still a puppy after all). Anyway she said there were definitely two beds in the front so one of them will be for me. I doubt it will be as comfy as my new bed but still, you can't expect too much comfort during lambing can you? Lambing is enough of a treat after all

Off to try out my new bed again – looking forward to it.

Take care

Searching for Sun

What a day. I got absolutely soaked. If it carries on like this I think I'm going to emigrate – somewhere nice and dry would be a good start, sheep would be essential (my own preferably). Skye thinks I want to hibernate and says I'll never last the whole winter without food and doesn't think anyone can sleep until Spring (I reckon she would have a good try though). Next time we go to the vet, I'm going to try and get her ears syringed – she's deaf as a post.

All afternoon we were pulling up weeds in the back field. I was making sure no sheep got into the field to disturb us, but I hate plants. They're fine for sheep and cows to eat, but that's about it. Sometimes I get a bit of plant-like food into my bowl, but I nearly always manage to avoid it. No point me struggling with it - if I leave it Daisy or Skye will hoover it up in no time at all.

More importantly, I still haven't got into the caravan yet...must put my thinking cap on.

Let's hope tomorrow is a better day

Take care

Catching up

Still haven't managed to get into the caravan yet. Today was a frustrating day all round.

Got off to the usual good start, with a run round the animals (Skye just rode around today – I don't think she's sleeping well for worrying about lambing). The Princess was still in bed when we got back - she doesn't seem to have a worry in her head! Then the day went downhill fast as Daisy got up (only kidding) and we took advantage of the decent weather to repair some gutters and collect up the last of the hay bales that got caught out in last week's rain. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm pleased to be getting in the winter sheep feed, but my seat in the tractor is not really very comfortable and while I enjoy riding about, but I'd rather be getting through my list of sheepy jobs.

All around us today the combines have been going, which means we're going to be busy soon bringing home straw bales. We use the straw to feed and bed the cows in winter. I often go as well when we collect them, to keep an eye on things and to keep Jerry company but I often manage to have a snooze in the tractor. Saving energy and dreaming about sheep – it's not a bad life.

Talking of which... zzzzz

Caravans

A better day today – Skye got hold of the old Suffolk ewe first thing and we sorted her sore ear out.  

This is a picture of her as a lamb - we were too busy to take another this morning

Everyone is looking much happier now as most of the rain has stopped - even me.

There has been more talk of the caravan. Skye has been asking what an old caravan is. I told her it's something you sleep in when it gets busy lambing and now she's not sleeping for worry that we're just about to start lambing! You just wouldn't think she'd spent all her life on a farm – I know no-one lambs in August, so we're just getting ready for next year (I hope I get one of the comfy beds).

Daisy thinks we're going to use it for holidays, but she's still a puppy, so that doesn't count.

Anyway, it arrived this afternoon and looks very comfy. I haven't been allowed anywhere near it yet which is a bit of a worry – I wouldn't like Daisy to pinch the best spot.

Ah well, not to worry – I'm sure there are at least two beds in it and I'm faster than she is...

Take care

Daisy left out in the cold?

Dry and warm – at last! All the cows and calves were having a lie in when we went round this morning. I was all for getting them up, but we decided to let them be in the end. We got some sheep up though as you can see.

Last night Daisy ("isn't she gorgeous") got left outside in the rain and was too wet when she came in to go to the upstairs kennel so had to sleep with Skye and I (we never get up there). Once she'd finished her bedtime snack and realised what was going on, she was in a right sulk – I bet she'll be quicker off the mark tonight, the little devil. I did wonder why her snack is the same size as ours – takes her ages to eat it...I must have a chat with Jerry about that soon.

It was the holiday cottage change over today, so I got a rest this afternoon. Not that I need it, but Jerry says it's best to have a quiet day every now and then. Ho hum...looking after Skye and Daisy for me then. No matter how hard you try, there's only one way to spell boring.

Skye was all for going home with the holiday makers today, she must reckon they don't keep sheep. I would have let her go, but we called her back and I suppose I would have missed her (though I won't be telling her that anytime soon).
Take care

Hendrik

12 August 2011

No rain – that's a pleasant surprise. Skye woke up worrying that we might be out working sheep later as it was dry, and was happy to see it was still too wet. I told her we wouldn't but she never listens to me. I think she's deaf. No really, I think she is

Had a visit from my pal Hendrik today – he came to see Jerry and Mandy. I was just having a lie down after a busy morning and was pleased to see him. He's almost as full of mischief as me and always plays with me. Today he was telling us about his wedding plans. I wondered if he might like some sheep brought in to the church as a pleasant surprise, but on reflection I'm not sure he's as keen on sheep as me. I'll have to put my thinking cap on. Good luck to them both anyway.

Some chat today about an old caravan coming in. Hopefully it's going to be either a lambing caravan or a kennel for Daisy. I'll have to keep an eye on this worrying development though because I'm sure change is usually bad news, and I'm certainly not keen to go on holiday AT ALL. I'm far too busy.

Take care

 

Wet Wet Wet

11 August

I can't believe it – more rain...any more of this and I'll need to get a rubber ring and an outboard motor to get round. Of course when it does dry up, I could make it into a Westie flying machine of some sort (only joking). I wonder how far it would go.

The sheep are definitely not happy with this weather, and there's not much I can do except help keep a careful eye on them. Skye helps out by keeping my seat on the bike dry as she doesn't like getting wet feet (or dirty come to that). Good news about the calf's eye though – the rain must have washed whatever was in it away – it's much better

Back at home Daisy is in trouble – got her new haircut all wet and muddy. Oops! Could almost feel sorry for her – but perhaps I'm just not well.

Take care

Daisy’s haircut

10 August 2011

Today started off really well – apart from the weather which is getting everyone fed up. I had good run round the sheep and no problems seen but one of the calves has a sore eye.

Anyway, the best news was that the Princess was bundled off early on and put into the car! She made a right song and dance about it, but what a peaceful morning we had, Skye and I. We were just hoping that she wasn't coming back (well I was anyway, I think Skye quite likes her) when we heard her at the back door. Well, what a sight! She'd been off for a clip and wash by the look of it.

Princess Lah-de-Dah

I mistook her for another dog at first and growled at her, which didn't go down well, and then I spent the rest of the day thankful that I'm not a Westie. The sheep would never take me seriously if I went out looking like that. A horrible thought!

Introduction

July 2011

My name is Pip


I'm the farm assistant here, and I'm the one that does most of the work along with my farmers - Mandy and Jerry. They picked me up when I was a puppy. We've got two dogs – a collie called Skye (aka Skye-ver) and a westie called Daisy (aka Princess Lah-de-Dah). My main job is to look after all the sheep and keep them in the fields, until Jerry and I want them out to work on them. I also walk about during the day with Jerry and help out with what he's doing, unless he's fencing, which is sooo BORING.

We've got lots on at present and have just finished worming sheep and treating them with fly preventer. It's one of my favourite jobs as it last for two whole days. First I got the ewes and lambs from the fields into the pens, which wasn't that easy as the lambs in particular can be very naughty and some of the ewes are bad tempered. But I managed, with a bit of help from Jerry and Skye (for a change). Then I made sure they went up the race, while Jerry and Hugo treated them.  When we had finished we moved them into a different field, which confused them (I'm not sure how bright they are you know – a bit like Skye and Daisy!). A grand day topped off with some supper and a snooze.

I'll let you know what's going on here when I get a moment – I like to keep busy

Take care

Hay Made

29 July 2011

Lots of activity early on and everyone looking at the sky today. Except me, I only look at the sheep...and the hens. Anyway, it's a dry day with the promise of sun so it's either going to be turned or baled.

At last the decision has been made at 3pm to bale it so that's good news, and everyone looks happy. We've got about 250 bales by the look of it so that should keep us straight feeding sheep through the winter. Let's hope that now we can get on with more important things like getting out on the bike again.

Take care