WHAT a glorious week of hot summer weather. The week began here on Manor Farm with a light shower, which was followed by some very hot days and a little more rain over one night, but still not enough to make a difference to the very parched ground. There was also a very light shower right at the end of the week.

Much of my time this week has been taken up at one of the Beaufort Pony Club Instructional "camps", although none of the children stay on site but go to and fro each day from their homes with their parents and ponies. It was a much enjoyed time with many pony related activities taking place. The Pony Club run a series of progressive tests for the children, beginning with the first level for the youngest children . This test is the E level of achievement, followed by the D level, D+, C, C+, B and finally A, which are tested for as the children get older and accomplish more riding and stable management knowledge. During this "camp " it was my job to test the D and D+ levels, with certificates presented at the prizegiving on the final day. I very much enjoyed doing this and fortunately was able to pass all the candidates, some of whom rode exceptionally well with a very good understanding of how to look after their ponies.

Here on Manor Farm our 100 acres of winter wheat is not quite ready to harvest. The moisture is wavering just above and below the required 15 % maximum allowed before it must be dried. As we do not have a drier or long term storage facility it is important for us to gather the grain when it is dry enough. If we sell the wheat above the required moisture level deductions will be made to the agreed price per tonne.

Richard has been spreading the last of the slurry from our store onto some of the stubble ground following the winter barley harvest. He then broke up the soil using a large cultivator. This will encourage any weed seeds and "volunteer barley" to germinate. Volunteer barley germinates from any seeds shed at harvest or before, when whole ears of barley may break off.

Another job done was to top one of our recently grazed fields. This removed old stalky grasses, which if left would become rank and unpalatable. Topping is an essential part of grassland management, helping to maintain a good quality grass sward with benefits for both our land and animals. Some new fencing was also erected in a grazing field during the week.

Kevin has gathered all his large round bales of barley straw, following our winter barley harvest. The bales have been stacked into an impressive pile along the side of one of the stubble fields.The stack is not too high but rather long, as large round bales can alter shape during storage care must be taken to avoid the pile collapsing.

Kevin's sprayer has been given an MoT. The National Sprayer Testing Scheme was set up as a result of the Voluntary Initiative and is a requirement of Farm Assurance and supermarkets. All pesticide application equipment must be tested regularly under the Sustainable Use Directive. The servicing and maintenance of spraying equipment ensures that it is working properly, so delivering the correct amount of spray when in use.

On recent walks around the farm I have seen many different butterflies and moths. There are an abundance of gatekeepers, which are butterflies perceived to be a sign that summer is at its height. The gatekeeper is on the wing just as bramble flowers are at their best and these butterflies can often be seen feeding on their nectar. I have also seen some beautiful Red Admirals.