A Month on the Farm

by Libby and Lisa Buchanan

We have a saying: “nothing never happens at Black Ven Farm” and that has certainly been true this month. We could fill the website, but will restrict ourselves to “The tale of Louis, the bull”.

We had been scouring the countryside for a new bull. After weeks of disappointments - wrong breed line, not good enough temperament, conformation not up to scratch - we found our boy! He is quite grand coming from the Broadlands Estate, the home of the Mountbatten Family - so we called him Louis. He is two years old, has the sweetest temperament and is stunningly good looking. After blood and TB tests, we finally brought him home to the yard where he has to stay in isolation for 3 weeks before another round of tests to be sure he is clean of all diseases. The yard has a special big gap in the feed rail for a bull’s head. Louis walked in as good as gold and settled down straightaway (despite our stock bull, Star, making it clear vocally exactly who was the Alpha male at Black Ven!).

In we went for a happy supper. As usual, we checked the animals last thing and what did we find? Louis had managed to wedge his head in the feed railings. Could we get him out? No. We covered him in lubricant, but it made no odds. And he was pretty miserable, but still sweet and quiet. At 11pm what were we to do, but call the fire brigade. We did make sure they weren’t busy and they seemed happy to come. The seven fire officers were marvellous. They couldn’t have been more careful, kind or efficient. Within ten minutes Louis was free, having a huge drink and then a lie down. The officers left with a tour of our new calves and a large box of chocolates - the least we could do.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Although we’d sealed up the other narrow railings, the next morning the dingbat had somehow wedged himself again. No fire brigade this time, but a cri de coeur to Barry Reardon. He was here with his grinder in a heartbeat, but as soon as he appeared, Louis extracted his head. Much ribbing from Barry, but it just shows the kindness of the farming community.

As for Louis.... There is no doubt he is the handsomest, sweetest boy.
However, we aren’t quite sure about his IQ. But we aren’t breeding to
win University Challenge, so who cares?

Nothing never happens at Black Ven Farm - the morning after we finished this article a cow calved with twins!
The first we have had in thirty years. A bit of drama to start with, but all well in the end.
Two for the price of one - hooray!