Kensmyth

looks like another bumper crop of fruit at Kensmyth Alpaca Farm – hmm that jam, stewed apple and chutney – cannot wait for the long term Walnut trees to do something!

Welcome to July at Kensmyth. The grass is growing keeping us on our toes along with the inevitable thistles that need endless attention no matter how hard you try!

Field shelters are having their windows opened then closed then opened again subject to the rainfall but the Alpaca are happy and the ground is good and solid for walking. We have had a rare opportunity to do a few things together and so we managed to visit the Cotswold Show which is a great day out for all.

Of course – we were dressed for the occasion and I spent most time with the Tractors though!

“for everything there is a season” – we all know the famous quotation but I have to say that sometimes saying goodbye to livestock is very hard. Although I am pretty tough as a Farmer and very practical in land management, having the Rare Breed Sheep for a year to improve the land and then selling them was pretty tough – they had done their job very well though and taught me a few things about Rare Breed Sheep along the way.

we try to be as “green” as possible here at Kensmyth – so natural fertiliser is always best but we have exciting things ahead for our Alpaca farm (yes we will be introducing some new camelids soon) and the sheep had done their job. so it was time for them to move on and for Kensmyth to be back to just Camelids once again – the focus of our business and the delight for our visitors. The Wensleydales are real characters and I would recommend them to anyone who likes a big solid sheep. We will have them again.

We had great fun with them, some cracking lambs which will hopefully be shown under our prefix as they are all registered. They have gone to a lovely home as a complete herd – MV Accredited and with genetics for years to come for their new breeder. We shall miss their vocals for sure!

yes – for those of you who know this young lady well – we are still waiting for her cria – now 369 days!

she is giving nothing away as to when – they will come when they are ready and that is that!

some of you have asked what Drone we use to survey the Alpaca – that is far too technical for me but if you recognise it – its this one!

ok – I AM an eighties chick after all – we all love a little bit of Olivia Newton John from Grease when enjoying those summer days and nights?

and then the heatwave went – typical British Summer!

A hot tub is something like marmite – you love them or hate them, I rarely meet visitors who do not have an opinion either way.

however, they do require upkeep as all things do and once winterised, well, we do permit the dog to have a go … but it is then prepared in anticipation of the hot weather to come and then she is not!

with temperatures hitting plus 28 degrees, a hot tub is a beautiful thing!

well we have been celebrating many things here at Clay Meadow, including my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary – how about that.

A bit of a “dark horse” I was told recently which will amuse those of you in the know… really?

no, seriously it is a cheeky little Chardonnay on sale in Tescos – not that I get time to drink alcohol these days LOL

We have not been idle here or sunning ourselves – it has been a challenging mating time here at Kensmyth. with the temperatures hitting 25 degrees by 8 am, the only time for sensibly mating has been in the early hours… the temperatures have been too hot in the evening.

so with all Alpaca boys in action this year, including our super homebred 3 year olds, it has been all hands to the deck literally. nobody has escaped leading a male for a liaison – trust me!

meantime – fantastic skies to be seen whilst they are romancing!

Farming life continues as the temperatures rise but families are always important…

Well many followers of this ten year Blog will know my Father is extremely severely Disabled and that his health has deteriorated terribly of recent years. However, he is a true fighter  who never gives up – probably where I get it from – and with his wonderful wife and Carer, my Mother, together they are going to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary this year.

Yes – 60 years, imagine that. Congratulations to them both and we are really looking forward to their “knees up”

Meantime, the Queen herself sends a Telegram for the big day – has to be arranged by friend or relative – so I received a Letter from the Queen recently to confirm this would happen!

love the postmark!