Observation – Opportunity – Information

As the whole country appears to be heading into drought conditions, we are very lucky in this coastal part of Scotland to benefit from cooler summer days and occasional rain – our grass is still finding moisture and growing sufficiently to allow cattle and sheep plenty of feed. The only issue seems to be water supplies in the East Neuk – where mains water is been supplemented by lorry tankers to keep the villages fed with drinking water. Over the past 10 years we have installed an extensive network of pipes on the farm from 31 separate water supplies to give some resilience, but even this is being tested as cows drink almost 100 litres each per day in the heat. We will be digging more ponds to provide security over the next few months.

One thing which will guarantee rain is when we bring the combine out for harvest – Although much of harvest is almost over further south, ours is still a few weeks away with crops loving the sun and again seeming to find moisture from nowhere. In the meantime – preparations are underway to clean and prepare our grain stores for the impending crops.

Our Shepherd Ewan has headed back to Northumberland to be closer to his family and for the support with his and Emma’s own family. We have much to thank Ewan for, not least his stewardship of the Balcaskie flock. He leaves us in a fantastic position having managed to get everything prepared and ready for his departure. We wish Ewan, Emma, Kai and Elsie all the very best in their new adventure.

Bowhouse EV chargers.

8 new EV chargers have been installed at Bowhouse with the help of Transport Scotland and Connekt – the operating company. 4 x 2

2kW and 4 x 40 kW chargers have been in constant use over the past week since they were installed. The first cars were charging as we were trying to lay the hardcore under them – so the demand is clearly there as EV use increases. What better way to wait while you take on kW – to take on some callories yourself in Baern, Futtle, the Butchery or Stocks Kitchen.

Carpark changes at Bowhouse are underway with hardstanding instead of grass – so hopefully no more disastrous winter markets pushing cars in or out.

August is the time of year for our annual Estate meeting where we all get together and provide an update on what’s been happening and going to happen. Each person who comes has to have 3 things to contribute and this years are;

1. Observation – what have you noticed – good or bad over the last 12 months.
2. Opportunity – What are we missing the opportunity to do
3. Information – What information do you not get that you would like

East Neuk Eggs. The success of David Moyes mobile egg enterprise on the farm has led to two new eggmobile trailer chassis being built ready for conversion. He will take delivery of his next 400 hens in October, taking his annual egg production to over 150,000. After this, a 4^th one will be built to pair with the existing trailer and then a 5^th one for meat birds. The demand for quality eggs in the area is eggceeding supply.