FARMING CALENDAR

FARMING CALENDAR 2024

January Farming Activity

Livestock Care:

  • House sheep
  • Calves weaned
  • Ensuring adequate feed and water for livestock during colder weather.
  • Monitoring animal health closely, especially for signs of winter illnesses.
  • Planning for calving and lambing season, preparing facilities and equipment.

Maintenance:

  • Servicing and repairing farm machinery and equipment during the quieter winter period.
  • Checking and maintaining tractors, ploughs, and other essential tools.
  • Repairing and maintaining farm buildings, fences, and pathways.
  • Improving drainage systems to prevent waterlogging in fields.

Crop Planning and Preparation:

  • Ordering seeds and planning crop rotations for the upcoming planting season.
  • Preparing greenhouses and polytunnels for early sowing of certain crops.
  • Spread slurry

Soil Management:

  • Conducting soil tests to determine nutrient levels and plan fertilizer use.
  • Implementing measures to protect soil from erosion during wetter months.

February Farming Activity

Livestock Management:

  • Continuing to provide feed and shelter for livestock during the cold weather.
  • Beginning early calving and lambing, with round-the-clock monitoring and care.
  • Sheep pregnancy scanning & housing
  • Ensuring adequate supplies of bedding to maintain animal warmth and comfort.

Pre-Spring Field Work:

  • Preparing fields for early spring sowing, weather permitting.
  • Applying lime to fields as required based on soil test results.
  • Managing cover crops and planning for their incorporation into the soil.
  • Spread slurry

Maintenance:

  • Finalizing the repair and maintenance of planting and cultivation equipment.
  • Calibrating seed drills and checking irrigation systems for the upcoming season.
  • Continuation of maintenance and repair work on buildings and fences as needed.
  • Ensuring proper drainage in fields to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizer and Pesticide Management:

  • Planning and purchasing fertilizers and pesticides for the season.
  • Storing chemicals safely and in compliance with regulations.

Crop Planning:

  • Finalizing crop rotation plans and ordering remaining seeds.
  • Starting seedlings indoors or in protected environments for early transplant.

Horticulture Activities:

  • Pruning fruit trees and bushes to promote healthy growth.
  • Preparing vegetable beds and planting early crops under cover.

March Farming Activity

Livestock and Calving:

  • Continuation of calving and lambing, with vigilant monitoring for health issues.
  • Beginning to turn livestock out to pasture as weather permits.
  • Vaccinating and tagging new calves and lambs.

Field Work and Crop Sowing:

  • Starting the sowing of spring crops like barley, oats, and wheat as soil conditions allow.
  • Drill sugar beet
  • Ploughing and harrowing fields to prepare for planting.
  • Applying early fertilizers to winter crops and newly sown fields.

Pasture Management:

  • Assessing pasture condition and planning for reseeding or fertilization.
  • Managing grass growth with controlled grazing or mowing.

Maintenance:

  • Ensuring all planting equipment is ready for peak spring use.
  • Calibrating sprayers and other application equipment.
  • Finishing any outstanding repair work on buildings, fences, and pathways.
  • Checking and repairing water systems for livestock and irrigation.

Horticulture and Vegetable Gardening:

  • Planting early potatoes, onions, and other hardy vegetables.
  • Preparing polytunnels and greenhouses for planting.

April Farming Activity

  • Livestock Management:Moving livestock to pasture as weather consistently improves.Monitoring animal health during the transition from indoor to outdoor feeding.Implementing parasite control measures for livestock.
  • Calving and Lambing:Continuing with the tail end of the calving and lambing season.Ear tagging, dehorning, and vaccinating young animals as required.
  • Field Work and Sowing:Sowing maincrop potatoes, spring cereals, and forage crops.Continuing ploughing, harrowing, and preparing land for late spring planting.Applying fertilizers and herbicides to emerging crops.Drilling oil seed and vining peasSpray cereals and sugar beet
  • Grassland Management:Implementing rotational grazing strategies to optimize grass growth.Fertilizing pastures to boost grass production for grazing and silage.
  • Crop Protection:Monitoring crops for pests and diseases and applying treatments as needed.Weed control in both crop fields and pasturelands.
  • Machinery Maintenance:Regular maintenance checks on machinery in heavy use, like tractors and seeders.Preparing silage-making equipment for the upcoming season.
  • Horticulture Activities:Planting out hardened-off seedlings in vegetable gardens and polytunnels.Tending to fruit trees and bushes, ensuring they are free from pests.
  • Infrastructure Maintenance:Ensuring fences, gates, and water troughs are in good condition for grazing animals.Maintaining farm roads and paths for easy access to fields.

May Farming Activity

Silage Preparation:

  • Cutting grass for the first silage of the season, weather permitting.
  • Ensuring silage-making machinery is ready for use.

Crop Management:

  • Continuing to sow late spring crops, such as maize.
  • Monitoring crop growth and applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as needed.
  • Weed control in crop fields to ensure optimal growth conditions.
  • Spray potatoes, cereals, sugar beets and peas.

Livestock Management:

  • Rotational grazing to manage grass growth and maintain pasture quality.
  • Monitoring livestock health as they graze, including parasite control.
  • Breeding management for dairy and beef herds.

Sheep Flock Management:

  • Shearing sheep to prepare them for warmer weather.
  • Managing lamb growth and health, including necessary vaccinations.
  • Lambs tailed, castrated, ear-notched and ear-tagged

Horticulture Activities:

  • Planting summer vegetables and maintaining polytunnels and greenhouses.
  • Tending to fruit gardens, ensuring optimal growth conditions.

Biodiversity and Environmental Practices:

  • Implementing and maintaining measures for wildlife conservation.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in farming practices.

Infrastructure Maintenance:

  • Regular checks and repairs on fences, especially in grazing areas.
  • Upkeep of farm buildings and storage facilities.

Farm Safety:

  • Ensuring all safety protocols are in place, particularly during busy periods.
  • Checking and maintaining safety equipment.

June Farming Activity

Haymaking and Silage:

  • Cutting and baling hay in suitable weather conditions.
  • Continuing with silage production as grass growth peaks.

Crop Care and Maintenance:

  • Monitoring crops for growth, pests, and diseases, and applying treatments as necessary.
  • Thinning and weeding root crops and vegetables to ensure optimal growth.
  • Irrigate potatoes.

Livestock Management:

  • Ongoing rotational grazing to maintain pasture quality.
  • Monitoring animal health, particularly for signs of summer-related issues like heat stress or parasites.
  • Managing dairy cows for peak milk production.
  • Spring calves de-horned.

Sheep Management:

  • Continuation of sheep shearing if not completed in May.
  • Managing lambs, potentially beginning weaning processes.

Machinery Maintenance:

  • Ensuring that harvesting and baling equipment are in optimal condition.
  • Regular maintenance checks on tractors and other heavily used machinery.

Horticulture and Vegetable Gardening:

  • Harvesting early summer vegetables and planting late summer crops.
  • Regular watering and care of vegetable plots and fruit gardens.

Biodiversity and Environmental Management:

  • Implementing sustainable farming practices to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
  • Maintaining and creating habitats for wildlife, like wildflower meadows.

Building and Infrastructure Upkeep:

  • Repairing and maintaining farm buildings, sheds, and storage facilities.
  • Ensuring that water systems are functioning properly for both crops and livestock.

July Farming Activity

Hay and Silage Making:

  • Continuing with haymaking, weather permitting.
  • Second cut of silage if grass growth has been sufficient.
  • Baling and carting straw

Crop Harvesting and Management:

  • Beginning the harvest of early cereals, such as winter barley.
  • Monitoring and treating crops for pests and diseases as needed.
  • Weeding and maintaining vegetable plots and orchards.
  • Irrigate and spray potatoes.
  • Vining peas.

Livestock Management:

  • Continued rotational grazing for optimal pasture management.
  • Monitoring livestock for health issues, particularly parasitic infections.
  • Managing dairy cows to maintain milk production levels.

Sheep Flock Care:

  • Completing any remaining sheep shearing.
  • Managing lambs, potentially selling or moving them to different pastures.
  • Lambs vaccinations and footbaths.

Machinery and Equipment Maintenance:

  • Ensuring harvest equipment is in good working order.
  • Regular maintenance of tractors and other machinery used in daily operations.

Horticulture Activities:

  • Harvesting summer fruits and vegetables.
  • Planting late-season crops for autumn harvest.

Biodiversity and Environmental Efforts:

  • Implementing measures to support biodiversity, such as maintaining hedgerows.
  • Monitoring and managing water usage, especially in dry conditions.

Farm Infrastructure:

  • Checking and repairing fences, especially in grazing areas.
  • Maintaining and cleaning storage facilities for upcoming harvests.

August Farming Activity

Harvesting Crops:

  • Continuing the harvest of cereals like wheat, oats, and barley.
  • Harvesting root crops and late-summer vegetables.
  • Gathering fruits from orchards and gardens.

Hay and Silage Making:

  • Completing any remaining haymaking.
  • Possible third cut of silage, depending on grass growth and weather conditions.
  • Combine harvest cereals, bale and cart straw.

Livestock Management:

  • Continued grazing management, moving livestock as necessary to optimize grass utilization.
  • Weaning lambs and calves and beginning to prepare them for market or moving them to different pastures.
  • Monitoring and treating any health issues, particularly those related to late summer conditions.

Machinery and Equipment:

  • Maintaining and repairing harvesting equipment.
  • Preparing machinery for autumn cultivation and sowing.

Soil and Field Management:

  • Beginning soil testing and preparation for autumn sowing.
  • Implementing crop rotation and planning for cover crops.

Horticulture and Gardening:

  • Continuing to harvest and process fruits and vegetables.
  • Preparing for autumn planting in vegetable gardens and greenhouses.

Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship:

  • Planning and implementing measures for wildlife conservation and habitat management.
  • Assessing and managing the farm's environmental impact.

Infrastructure Maintenance:

  • Repairing and preparing buildings and storage facilities for autumn and winter.
  • Checking and maintaining water systems and fencing.

September Farming Activity

Harvesting:

  • Completing the harvest of cereals, potatoes, and other late-season crops.
  • Gathering and storing fruits from orchards.
  • Combine harvest cereals, bale and cart straw.

Livestock Management:

  • Beginning to house some livestock, particularly in areas with early onset of wetter, colder weather.
  • Selling or moving weaned lambs and calves.
  • Implementing autumn health treatments for livestock, such as de-worming.
  • Wean lambs.

Field Work:

  • Ploughing and preparing fields for winter crops.
  • Sowing winter cereals like wheat and barley.
  • Managing and incorporating stubble and crop residues.
  • Harvest potatoes.
  • Drill winter wheat, oilseed rape and barley.

Soil Fertility:

  • Conducting soil tests to guide fertilizer and lime applications.
  • Applying nutrients and conditioners as needed based on soil analysis.

Machinery and Equipment Maintenance:

  • Conducting post-harvest maintenance on machinery.
  • Preparing and calibrating sowing and ploughing equipment for autumn use.

Horticulture and Vegetable Gardening:

  • Planting overwintering vegetables and garlic.
  • Preparing greenhouses and polytunnels for winter crops.

Biodiversity and Environmental Care:

  • Planting and managing cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion.
  • Continuing with wildlife conservation efforts, such as maintaining bird feeders and habitats.

Farm Infrastructure:

  • Checking and preparing winter housing for livestock, including ventilation and bedding.
  • Repairing and reinforcing fences, gates, and water systems.

October Farming Activity

Late Harvesting:

  • Completing the harvest of late-season crops like potatoes and root vegetables.
  • Gathering remaining fruits and preparing orchards for winter.

Livestock Management:

  • Wean and house cattle and other livestock as weather conditions become harsher.
  • Checking and improving livestock housing conditions for winter.
  • Managing breeding programs for cattle and sheep.
  • Ewes dipped and wool clipped
  • Wether lambs sold

Winter Crop Sowing:

  • Sowing winter wheat, barley, and other cereals.
  • Planting cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion.

Soil and Field Management:

  • Conducting post-harvest soil tests and planning nutrient management.
  • Ploughing and preparing fields for next year's crops.
  • Cultivate arable fields.
  • Harvest potatoes and sugar beet

Machinery Maintenance:

  • Storing and conducting maintenance on harvest equipment.
  • Preparing ploughs and winter sowing machinery for use.

Horticulture and Gardening:

  • Planting hardy winter vegetables and caring for polytunnel crops.
  • Pruning and maintaining fruit trees and bushes.

Environmental Stewardship:

  • Implementing sustainable farming practices for soil conservation.
  • Enhancing farm biodiversity through habitat management.

Infrastructure Upkeep:

  • Repairing and winter-proofing buildings, roads, and drainage systems.
  • Checking and maintaining water systems for livestock.

November Farming Activity

Livestock Care:

  • Ensuring all livestock are comfortably housed with adequate bedding and ventilation.
  • Regularly feeding and checking the health of housed animals.
  • Managing breeding programs, particularly for sheep flocks.
  • Tup sales

Winter Crop Management:

  • Monitoring winter cereals for growth and health.
  • Applying fungicides or pesticides as needed, weather permitting.
  • Ploughing.
  • Late drilling of wheat.
  • Sell corn and arrange collection ex farm storage.

Soil Testing and Fertility:

  • Conducting soil tests to inform next year's fertilization plans.
  • Applying lime to fields if weather conditions allow.

Machinery and Equipment Upkeep:

  • Conducting thorough maintenance and repairs on all farming machinery.
  • Winterizing equipment that will not be used until spring.

Farm Infrastructure Maintenance:

  • Repairing and reinforcing farm buildings, sheds, and animal housing.
  • Ensuring adequate drainage in fields to prevent waterlogging.

Horticulture and Vegetable Gardening:

  • Harvesting late-season and winter vegetables.
  • Preparing polytunnels and greenhouses for winter.

Environmental and Wildlife Protection:

  • Implementing measures to protect farm biodiversity during winter.
  • Maintaining bird feeders and wildlife shelters.

Planning for Next Year:

  • Reviewing this year's farm performance and planning for next year’s crop rotations and livestock management.
  • Ordering seeds and other supplies for the next growing season.
Hero Banner
Testimonials
Demo Form