Summer is well and truly on its way, and with the temperature rising, it’s time for our sheep to get their annual haircut!
Sheep shearing is the process of removing a sheep’s wool fleece. It can be done with traditional hand shears by a skilled shepherd but is more commonly carried out by professional contract shearers using electric clippers.
Unlike many animals, sheep do not naturally shed their wool — except for a special breed called ‘Easy Cares,’ which are self-shedding. For most sheep, however, shearing is essential to their welfare.
Without regular shearing, a sheep's fleece can become overgrown, heavy, and matted with dirt and poo.
This creates an ideal environment for flystrike — a serious condition where flies lay eggs in the wool, and the hatching larvae burrow into the sheep’s skin.
If not caught and treated quickly, flystrike can be fatal. By removing the fleece, we significantly reduce this risk and help keep our sheep healthy.
Out in the fields, the first cuts of hay are being taken, and silage-making is in full swing.
First-cut silage is often completed by early June, with silage season playing a critical role in livestock farming.
A well-managed silage crop ensures a reliable, nutrient-rich feed source for cattle through the winter months.
The process involves cutting the grass, collecting it into rows, and baling it before wrapping it in a film that preserves the nutritional value.
This method captures the energy from the grasses, legumes, and wildflowers found in herbal leys, allowing the forage to ferment naturally and retain its quality.
The wrapped bales are stored until winter and used alongside hay to provide a balanced diet for livestock. Once silage cuts are made, fertilisation or slurry spreading often follows to support regrowth.
You might have seen a few tractors and trailers driving around the island lately.
They’re on their way to the nearby Anaerobic Digestion plant, carrying what’s known as whole crop — that’s the entire plant, including the stalk, leaves, and grain, all chopped up.
This chopped crop is used as feedstock, which is the raw material the plant uses to produce biogas.
There has also been a wonderful sense of community spirit, with several great local events taking place across the Island.
On May 25, the ‘Pink Ladies’ Charity Vintage Tractor Run, organised by the Vectis Vintage Tractor Club, brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts for a special fundraising event.
Dedicated to female drivers, many participants dressed in pink to raise money for the Applegate Breast Cancer Unit and Support Group.
The Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trials was another highlight, raising money for Mountbatten.
Competitors from across the country took part, with 50 dogs competing on Saturday and 48 on Sunday.
Despite challenging weather conditions throughout the weekend, Ed Hawkins emerged as the standout competitor, claiming victory on both days of the annual event. Sunday’s competition attracted plenty of spectators, with farmers, families, and visitors alike enjoying a day of skilled sheep herding, friendly competition, and community spirit.
And as we head towards July, the event excitement continues with one of the biggest rural events on the Island’s calendar: the Royal Isle of Wight County Show.
Celebrating its 125th show, the event will take place on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.
It’s a true celebration of Island life, with farming and countryside heritage at its heart.
There’ll be animals, local food and drink, arts and crafts, competitions, and a whole ‘field full of fun’ — something for all to enjoy.
I shall also be signing off from articles for a little while, as I am heading off on an adventure to New Zealand for nine months!
Through National Young Farmers, I've been very lucky to receive a scholarship to go and work on a sheep, beef, and dairy farm on the North Island.
I'll certainly be going in at the deep end, but it will be such an adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Wishing you all the best, Sian x
Share