We'll start here as this is when the cropping process begins. After harvest, the fields need preparing and cultivating to prepare the seedbed for drilling (sowing). The soil type and farming style will dictate the tillage depth. Some farmers will plough the land whereas some prefer to use very light tillage methods.

Hopefully all the winter crops will be drilled by the first week of November but rain can delay the process. The crops will be germinating and we inspect them to identify any potential issues such as nutrient deficiencies and weed problems.

A quieter time in the farming calendar, but there are always jobs to be done, like repairs and maintenance of the tractors and grain stores. (Or repairs to the chicken hutch!)

More ground is cultivated for the lighter yielding spring crop varieties. They are sown later than their winter variety counterparts but they are all ready to be harvested within a few weeks of each other.

We prepare the grain stores and machines for harvest which is just round the corner. We also cut grass to make hay at this time of year. The grass dries for a few days then its bailed into small or large bales and stored in our hay barn. (Hay is different to straw!)

Harvest is here. This is a crucial time for arable farmers as we have to collect the crops when they are under a certain moisture content so that they can be stored. For instance oats should ideally be stored at a maximum of 12.5% moisture.