Blogs

Farming Minister Mark Spencer outlines Government response to the Rock Review

As I look out at the picture-perfect snow covered fields, I’m thankful we’re not lambing for another three weeks.

Five years ago this week, the Beast from the East held its icy grip on farms across the country, sheep were buried alive under many feet of snow, the thawing of frozen pipes became a daily task and isolated communities were cut off for days on end.

Two years ago, I saw a job advert that looked ideal and, although I had enough on my plate, it kept drawing me in.

It seems a long time since my last column, having written an early one to beat the Christmas deadline.

I know for other parts of the country it’s practically summer, but here in the Scottish Borders spring is just around the corner at last.

Last July, Isobel and I sold eight hectares of hay to a man who contacted us through Facebook.

False spring or not, it has provided an opportunity to set spring work off to a blistering start.