Equinox Winds

September usually sees strong winds and a dry spell to complete harvest. Known as the “Equinox Winds” these coincide with the shortening of days and are a welcome regular visitor to help finish off the gathering in of the years cereals.

This years harvest has been a pretty average affair, with crops suffering over last winter and again during the long dry spring. Rains in July and August being too late to fill the grains, but we must be grateful for the harvest we have.

With all now safely in store, we are busy planting next years crops and converting more land to organic production with the establishment of a further 560 acres of grass which will cover some of the land surrounding Bowhouse and Stenton.

In the first year, this grass will be grazed by sheep to help establish and “tiller” or thicken out, the grass mat. Sheep are excellent at this, due to their light footprint and their sharp teeth which cut rather than pull grass – unlike cows.

Bowhouse markets returned to their two day format this month, where we have been delighted to see so many regular customers return, not to mention the chance to catch up with the traders we have missed over the summer months. The ongoing support and economic, social and nutritional benefit of local food is vital in a rural community and we are proud to play our part in this.

Daniel Ross joined us on the farm this month, as our farm student for the next 12 months. Coming from Norther Ireland, Daniel is on his placement year from Greenmount College and will be experiencing as many of the activities Balcaskie has to offer as possible. We are also looking for an apprentice to join the farm and estate team, where they will learn from the experienced staff and gain additional qualifications – so if you are interested, or know someone who is – please do get in touch.