This Farming Life - A New Year for Castlefarm

We are nearly back to normality after the Christmas break at Castlefarm. In preparation for our spring herd of 70 cows to calve down, we have disinfected calf sheds and re-installed calving cameras in the calving boxes. From the end of January the monitor in our bedroom will allow us to check on expectant mothers through the night without leaving the warmth of our house.

Over the winter and spring, egg production in the Castlefarm hen house slowed down. Hens lay less in the darker, colder months due to the lack of sunlight (vitamin E) and the drop in temperature. Our honesty box is still in operation though and the demand for our organic eggs is as strong as ever.

This month our first organic Angus heifer will go to the butcher and we are now offering mini, family boxes and big boxes to our customers. This meat will be on sale in early February after the meat has been hung for 3 weeks to maximise its flavour and tenderness.

A revamp is underway in our allotments. Now that the last of the brussels sprouts and root vegetables have been enjoyed for Christmas, we are clearing and ploughing the site ready for new allotment holders. We are also creating a new fruit area.

Late winter and early spring are the best time to plant trees and fruit bushes and, also for pruning as the plants are not producing foliage or fruit. Our ducks excitedly follow the plough and rotovator, de-slugging the ground. They truly are an organic farmer’s friend.

To receive our newsletter and news opening days and farm produce by email please contact Castlefarm Shop, Narraghmore, Athy, Co Kildare, Email jenny@castlefarmshop.ie, log onto www.castlefarmshop.ie or telephone 087-6785269

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