This might have been the scene at Oxburgh last winter. There were days in the middle of December 2010 when it was still -8 degrees at midday. We missed one of my best friends wedding (made the christening though - Congratulations James & Marieke), all the water pipes were frozen, our ancient tractor wouldn't start and even it had the bowser was frozen too. This meant that I was carrying water in two buckets for 400 pigs, something I would be very happy not to have to repeat ever again.
This year we seem to be having a very mild winter - a bit wet, but no real frost or snow. You would think I would be jumping for joy. If so you have never met a stock farmer! The severe weather last year was followed by a very dry spring here in East Anglia which meant the crops didnt grow, so this winter we have very little straw and even less hay.
With an outdoor pig system we are heavily dependent on straw for bedding. It keeps our pigs clean, dry and most importantly at this time of the year - warm. Luckily we have enough straw for now but I am watching our stack shrinking and keeping my fingers crossed it stays dry.
A bit of excitement on the farm - we have been asked by a well known artist based in North Norfolk if she could model two lifesize bronzes on our pigs. The lucky two are being selected tomorrow, so watch this space..........
