A day on Home Farm

James Flower’s sister Claire is a woman of many talents. As well as running Home Farm alongside her and James’s dad John Flower, she’s also studying agriculture so she can better plan for the farm’s future. All this makes for a long but rewarding day on Home Farm...

7.30am: Checking the herd (round 1)
When they see my truck coming to feed them they run towards the gate and wait for me. The 64 cattle on the farm right now are a mix of Hereford and Aberdeen Angus and live outside year-round.

10.30am: The fun stuff... maintenance
Once they are fed I count them, check they are all OK and happy, check the fencing, move the feeders every so often, and place new hay bedding for them to lie more comfortably in the field. I studied performing arts so sometimes I sing to them. I couldn’t say whether they enjoy it…

11.30am: Breaking the ice
Around this time of year I have to break the ice and defrost the water troughs to make sure the water is flowing, as well as making any repairs so that everything is working properly. We choose native British breeds as they are well suited to our weather, but traditional outdoor farming is more work (and expense) for us as farmers, keeping them well fed and looked after so they can keep their condition.

2.30pm: Studying
In the afternoon I’ll be doing college work. I’m in my final year studying Agricultural Management. I finish in June – right in our calving season – so it will be a busy time for me!

5.30pm: Checking the herd (round 2)
In the evening before it gets dark I’ll visit the cattle again with my dad to check they are all still happy. I always take Molly (our 13 year old Border Collie) out with me – she guards the truck while I finish my jobs.

8.00pm: Nearly done
Between all the farm work and studying I end up eating dinner quite late so I like something simple but delicious.