Day 15..
Assignment deadline: machinery and soil - handed in!!!
The structure of soil is where we began today, so what is that you may ask - well, in Emma definition it is the way the soil particles are help together.. These particles being sand, silt, clay and gravel. The technical term for soil structure being how individual soil granules clump or bind together and aggregate, and therefore, the arrangement of soil pores between them. A soil structure is worked out according to grade, class and type of aggregate.. Will need to look over notes to learn all of these.
A grass plant is made up of a culm, node, internode, stolon and tiller. And, the roots are fibrous. A leaf blade is usually long and narrow, with parallel sides and veins which taper to a pointed or blunt tip. The part of the grass plant properly known as the flower, is actually composed of many small flowers hidden, except at flowering time, within scales or bracts. The structures containing the flowers are called spikelets.... Ok, so I'm not that clever to know all this yet, I'm quoting from my notes.. But that's good revision surely :)
Moving on to uk crop production, the main uk crops are winter and spring wheat, winter and spring barley, oil seed rape, maize, winter and spring oats, potatoes and sugar beet. It's very interesting to learn how much of each goes into either the human food chain or back in as animal feed.. I will finish my table and learn a bit more about this!
That's all for now, it's directed study week now!!!! Whoop whoop see you in a week
Friday, 25 October 2013
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Thursday October 24, 2013
Day 14..
A machinery morning, recapping on the fuel system and pin pointing the components on a real tractor instead of a picture - it's so much easier to work out where the fuel goes when you can follow the pipe work! We had a reversing practice session going into man made barns (some cones and wooden pallets!) then carried on hitching and un hitching tractors to a power harrow and a two furrow plough via the three point linkage system.. Team AmyEm absolutely nailed it!
A classroom afters, we began with a more detailed look at foot problems in sheep, focusing on scald and footrot - two very painful reasons why a sheep might be lame. So, if you see a lame sheep it is better to catch it as soon as possible, find the cause, treat it and prevent the risk of any infection spreading across the rest of the herd. Just like humans, animals can get sick too - from bacterial infections and viruses to moulds and yeast attacks, so ensuring your animals health and welfare is vital, with just a 1% rise in temperature being a very serious issue.
* revise and learn the body temperatures of animals *
Cow - 38.5 to 39 oC
Dog 38.2 to 38.7 oC
Horse 38.0 to 38.2 oC
Pig 38.2 to 40.5 oC
Sheep 39.5 to 40.5 oC
And we finished off the day investigating the cereal beef system - also known as barley beef, as that is what's mostly fed! Calves (the boy ones) born to the cereal beef system are usually weaned at 5 weeks old and will be housed indoors on their rapid growth plan between 10 and12 months. They have a 'zero grazing' diet - hence the name and that is to ensure the rumen is developed well so that it can carry out a good FCR - feed conversion ratio, producing a good quality carcase as the end result.
Roll on tomorrow..
A machinery morning, recapping on the fuel system and pin pointing the components on a real tractor instead of a picture - it's so much easier to work out where the fuel goes when you can follow the pipe work! We had a reversing practice session going into man made barns (some cones and wooden pallets!) then carried on hitching and un hitching tractors to a power harrow and a two furrow plough via the three point linkage system.. Team AmyEm absolutely nailed it!
A classroom afters, we began with a more detailed look at foot problems in sheep, focusing on scald and footrot - two very painful reasons why a sheep might be lame. So, if you see a lame sheep it is better to catch it as soon as possible, find the cause, treat it and prevent the risk of any infection spreading across the rest of the herd. Just like humans, animals can get sick too - from bacterial infections and viruses to moulds and yeast attacks, so ensuring your animals health and welfare is vital, with just a 1% rise in temperature being a very serious issue.
* revise and learn the body temperatures of animals *
Cow - 38.5 to 39 oC
Dog 38.2 to 38.7 oC
Horse 38.0 to 38.2 oC
Pig 38.2 to 40.5 oC
Sheep 39.5 to 40.5 oC
And we finished off the day investigating the cereal beef system - also known as barley beef, as that is what's mostly fed! Calves (the boy ones) born to the cereal beef system are usually weaned at 5 weeks old and will be housed indoors on their rapid growth plan between 10 and12 months. They have a 'zero grazing' diet - hence the name and that is to ensure the rumen is developed well so that it can carry out a good FCR - feed conversion ratio, producing a good quality carcase as the end result.
Roll on tomorrow..
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Day thirteen..
Perhaps missing the Southwell turn off and heading off to Doncaster was a sign!!!
Who wants to be a millionaire was how we started our machinery lesson, with a host of machinery related questions including lots of mathematical ones.. It's not that I hate maths - I'm just not good at remembering how to do it! (Suffice to say, I didn't win a mill). We then did some engine recap before moving on to the inner workings of the fuel system. Very useful for the tractor assignment, although I have already done mine now..
We then had a session on the health and safety aspect of working on a farm and more importantly on and around farm machinery.. Lets not forget that the rops system (roll over protection structure) is designed to protect you should you have the misfortune to tip over.. But did you know that most people forget that in such a situation you should brace for the impact using the steering wheel and hang on to it ruddy tightly! Because if you do not, then you are more likely to be thrown all over the place and can then end up dying from your internal injuries!
Nice thought....
Pm practicals meant we could go back to the dairy farm and dis-bud another eight calfs.. These were approximately eight weeks old, so just little stumps to remove.. But that's when I went all wimpy!!!! Seriously, last week was a doddle, went in pen, injected, dis-budded, sprayed antiseptic, done! Today, oooooooooooooooh I got the right girly wobbles - first injection ok, next one slightly misaligned so Dom had to move the fluid to the right place with his thumb so that it could work! Ok, so I did learn how to hold one correctly today for another person to work on, so that's good - but when it came to disbudding....... Well, it took me ages, I didn't like it, I couldn't do it, I didn't like it again, then Dom had to step in when I couldn't 'flick' the bud away!!! I mean come on... Man up emma!! I will try...
Even later pm, get a text off Rachael, "what's organic soil" I reply what you writing about organic soil for on your soils assignment, I haven't... Her response "it's in question one" DOH so it is, I better just pop my computer back on!!!
Perhaps missing the Southwell turn off and heading off to Doncaster was a sign!!!
Who wants to be a millionaire was how we started our machinery lesson, with a host of machinery related questions including lots of mathematical ones.. It's not that I hate maths - I'm just not good at remembering how to do it! (Suffice to say, I didn't win a mill). We then did some engine recap before moving on to the inner workings of the fuel system. Very useful for the tractor assignment, although I have already done mine now..
We then had a session on the health and safety aspect of working on a farm and more importantly on and around farm machinery.. Lets not forget that the rops system (roll over protection structure) is designed to protect you should you have the misfortune to tip over.. But did you know that most people forget that in such a situation you should brace for the impact using the steering wheel and hang on to it ruddy tightly! Because if you do not, then you are more likely to be thrown all over the place and can then end up dying from your internal injuries!
Nice thought....
Pm practicals meant we could go back to the dairy farm and dis-bud another eight calfs.. These were approximately eight weeks old, so just little stumps to remove.. But that's when I went all wimpy!!!! Seriously, last week was a doddle, went in pen, injected, dis-budded, sprayed antiseptic, done! Today, oooooooooooooooh I got the right girly wobbles - first injection ok, next one slightly misaligned so Dom had to move the fluid to the right place with his thumb so that it could work! Ok, so I did learn how to hold one correctly today for another person to work on, so that's good - but when it came to disbudding....... Well, it took me ages, I didn't like it, I couldn't do it, I didn't like it again, then Dom had to step in when I couldn't 'flick' the bud away!!! I mean come on... Man up emma!! I will try...
Even later pm, get a text off Rachael, "what's organic soil" I reply what you writing about organic soil for on your soils assignment, I haven't... Her response "it's in question one" DOH so it is, I better just pop my computer back on!!!
Friday, 18 October 2013
Friday October 18, 2013
Day twelve..
An afternoon with john stapleton - which got underway with the principles of plant science!
"The branch of science concerned with the formation, nature, ecology and classification of soil"
Soil, is commonly referred to as sand, silt and clay depending on the size of its particle diameters and a great learning tool is the soil classification triangle - we had to create one of these in class and then work out some soil types according to the amount of sand, silt and clay in each example. Good little exercise.
We then started to look at some typical types of grasses found in the uk including the key species; perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, hydrid ryegrasses, Timothy, cocksfoot, red fescue and meadow fescue. We looked at the structure of some grasses, but this information wasn't really sinking in! We then began making a table of all the main qualities and structure of the key grasses but the internet connection was rubbish - so for homework this just needs finishing off.
We finished off our session by discussing the main agricultural crops grown in the uk; what their main uses are and any applicable by-product uses, whether in the agricultural feed industry, human food consumption or other use.
We also added an entry on to the brackenhurst online farm map, the boys wrote up the ploughing and discing in wiles close and on behalf of the *enda ladies* I uploaded our store lamb work carried out at sheep walks east last week.
Word of the day "vernalisation" - a period of cold weather required by certain crops which enables them to grow, for example winter barley.
We ended the day with a group tutorial - brack agric tops ordered :)
An afternoon with john stapleton - which got underway with the principles of plant science!
"The branch of science concerned with the formation, nature, ecology and classification of soil"
Soil, is commonly referred to as sand, silt and clay depending on the size of its particle diameters and a great learning tool is the soil classification triangle - we had to create one of these in class and then work out some soil types according to the amount of sand, silt and clay in each example. Good little exercise.
We then started to look at some typical types of grasses found in the uk including the key species; perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, hydrid ryegrasses, Timothy, cocksfoot, red fescue and meadow fescue. We looked at the structure of some grasses, but this information wasn't really sinking in! We then began making a table of all the main qualities and structure of the key grasses but the internet connection was rubbish - so for homework this just needs finishing off.
We finished off our session by discussing the main agricultural crops grown in the uk; what their main uses are and any applicable by-product uses, whether in the agricultural feed industry, human food consumption or other use.
We also added an entry on to the brackenhurst online farm map, the boys wrote up the ploughing and discing in wiles close and on behalf of the *enda ladies* I uploaded our store lamb work carried out at sheep walks east last week.
Word of the day "vernalisation" - a period of cold weather required by certain crops which enables them to grow, for example winter barley.
We ended the day with a group tutorial - brack agric tops ordered :)
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Thursday October 17, 2013
Day 11..
Practical sessions back on so it was off into the workshop first thing. We started off by sticking labels on to what we thought were the right places of a tractor engine diagram. I didn't know them all yet as I haven't quite got there in my assignment! But I was able to name a few and then explain what I thought they did or what their functions were, there were a lot more bits and pieces to the engine than I thought there would be, but the more we do this section the more I hope to remember.
We then saw an old cam shaft part and a pistern and Andy explained how these worked together and explained the 4 stroke engine procedure; intake, compression, explosion, exhaust (or put another way; suck, squeeze, bang, blow!)
We were then let loose on a tractor! Whereby we learnt about the three point linkage system, how to assemble and disassemble again, in the correct order. The tractor must be lined up square and as well as keeping an eye on the centre line up, the left link arm is also a guide to line up correctly with the implement - this is because that is the fixed arm and cannot be altered later!. Once lined up, you connect the left (fixed arm) first, followed by the right link arm (with can independently be adjusted), then connect the top link arm to the tractor and implement - using either a linchpin or an r clip fastening. Then away you go!
Remember, always put the tractor in neutral if someone is about to connect things up behind! Oh connect the hydraulic hoses should your implement require so!
Pm lessons were livestock lectures and today we were discussing shepherding before moving on to feeding different cattle on silage, from how it's made and stored to how much to feed and when. We then covered a bit on notifiable diseases - and why we need to notify certain authorities when an animal gets a particular disease. The defra website is a useful place to get more on this subject as there are quite a lot of applicable criteria.
Interestingly, FMD (foot and mouth disease) isn't actually a fatal disease and the cow can recover (although it will probably loose condition and have poor milk production for the rest of its life), therefore the reason for culling is largely due to the economical impact of the virus spreading further and further and devastating more farms and farmers, and subsequently having an impact on import and exported meat as well as general market trading as a country as a whole! Food for thought..
Practical sessions back on so it was off into the workshop first thing. We started off by sticking labels on to what we thought were the right places of a tractor engine diagram. I didn't know them all yet as I haven't quite got there in my assignment! But I was able to name a few and then explain what I thought they did or what their functions were, there were a lot more bits and pieces to the engine than I thought there would be, but the more we do this section the more I hope to remember.
We then saw an old cam shaft part and a pistern and Andy explained how these worked together and explained the 4 stroke engine procedure; intake, compression, explosion, exhaust (or put another way; suck, squeeze, bang, blow!)
We were then let loose on a tractor! Whereby we learnt about the three point linkage system, how to assemble and disassemble again, in the correct order. The tractor must be lined up square and as well as keeping an eye on the centre line up, the left link arm is also a guide to line up correctly with the implement - this is because that is the fixed arm and cannot be altered later!. Once lined up, you connect the left (fixed arm) first, followed by the right link arm (with can independently be adjusted), then connect the top link arm to the tractor and implement - using either a linchpin or an r clip fastening. Then away you go!
Remember, always put the tractor in neutral if someone is about to connect things up behind! Oh connect the hydraulic hoses should your implement require so!
Pm lessons were livestock lectures and today we were discussing shepherding before moving on to feeding different cattle on silage, from how it's made and stored to how much to feed and when. We then covered a bit on notifiable diseases - and why we need to notify certain authorities when an animal gets a particular disease. The defra website is a useful place to get more on this subject as there are quite a lot of applicable criteria.
Interestingly, FMD (foot and mouth disease) isn't actually a fatal disease and the cow can recover (although it will probably loose condition and have poor milk production for the rest of its life), therefore the reason for culling is largely due to the economical impact of the virus spreading further and further and devastating more farms and farmers, and subsequently having an impact on import and exported meat as well as general market trading as a country as a whole! Food for thought..
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Wednesday October 16, 2013
Day 10..
Another change to the timetable this morning meant that we had our second 'school' trip today as we loaded onto a brack bus and headed for Newark livestock market!
Not a very busy market day but there seemed to be money to be made and money to be spent!
We watched the 'fat cows' go through (that's them who are not going to live to see another day! :( ) with various breeds on offer.
The auctioneer talks in another language, so from what I think I could make out price wise, the following are some of today's lots;
Dex bull 412kg @ 150p
Lim bull 498kg @ 206p
BBX bull 758kg @ 218 1/2 p
SD bull 777kg @ 153p
*NTU* Red bull 613kg @ 208p
Also for sale were a few pens of pigs and a few pens of sheep - selling at a pen rate of £75 based on an average weight of 55 1/2kg (tbc!)
The afternoon saw us team up for a practical session disbudding calves on Ian's farm (back down the road in the brack bus..
This is a dairy unit with calves at various different stages around the farm. Disbudding is the removal of the growth that turns into the horn and is primarily removed for safety - to stop them harming themselves, other cows and us!
We start by catching the calf in question holding its head and leaning into its body to hold still, then it receives a shot of anesthetic above each eye just in the grove most prominent as this will numb the area to be worked on. I had a go at this and the only worry was when the cow shakes it's head as you don't want to drop the needle. After around 10 mins we tested the horn area with a 'prick test' using a needle point to make sure it can't feel anything. Then it's time to remove the bud with a disbudding iron - heated up to 700 degrees this has an opening at the end and this is used to deaden the nerve endings and to cap the bud by flicking it off! I did have a go at this but I was a little hesitant! Initially you have to ensure the area around the bone area is deadened, you then wiggle it around to get a good shape all of which helps to ensure no growth can take place, then you leave the machine on for 3 seconds at the end to seal the job. This area is then sprayed with an antiseptic spray to help stop any infection getting in.
One calf down for me.. Plenty more to practice on!
Another change to the timetable this morning meant that we had our second 'school' trip today as we loaded onto a brack bus and headed for Newark livestock market!
Not a very busy market day but there seemed to be money to be made and money to be spent!
We watched the 'fat cows' go through (that's them who are not going to live to see another day! :( ) with various breeds on offer.
The auctioneer talks in another language, so from what I think I could make out price wise, the following are some of today's lots;
Dex bull 412kg @ 150p
Lim bull 498kg @ 206p
BBX bull 758kg @ 218 1/2 p
SD bull 777kg @ 153p
*NTU* Red bull 613kg @ 208p
Also for sale were a few pens of pigs and a few pens of sheep - selling at a pen rate of £75 based on an average weight of 55 1/2kg (tbc!)
The afternoon saw us team up for a practical session disbudding calves on Ian's farm (back down the road in the brack bus..
This is a dairy unit with calves at various different stages around the farm. Disbudding is the removal of the growth that turns into the horn and is primarily removed for safety - to stop them harming themselves, other cows and us!
We start by catching the calf in question holding its head and leaning into its body to hold still, then it receives a shot of anesthetic above each eye just in the grove most prominent as this will numb the area to be worked on. I had a go at this and the only worry was when the cow shakes it's head as you don't want to drop the needle. After around 10 mins we tested the horn area with a 'prick test' using a needle point to make sure it can't feel anything. Then it's time to remove the bud with a disbudding iron - heated up to 700 degrees this has an opening at the end and this is used to deaden the nerve endings and to cap the bud by flicking it off! I did have a go at this but I was a little hesitant! Initially you have to ensure the area around the bone area is deadened, you then wiggle it around to get a good shape all of which helps to ensure no growth can take place, then you leave the machine on for 3 seconds at the end to seal the job. This area is then sprayed with an antiseptic spray to help stop any infection getting in.
One calf down for me.. Plenty more to practice on!
Friday, 11 October 2013
Friday October 11, 2013
Day nine..
Rain stops plough play! So it's off to play with some sheep instead!
Today we were on hand to help sort out some lambs for market (sad I know), it started by rounding them into our penning area but that proved too much for two or three who were really weak little things, and Dom ended up fetching them from the field in his car (with his handbrake still on) and we put them in a separate pen away from the others.
We got underway by sorting them in to two new groups, those for market this weekend and those to be kept for finishing off for lamb packs. This was relatively painless with the funky sheep handling system - catching them, letting them out the side door or letting them out forwards. Which door they went out of depended on how much 'meat' was felt across the back, how much of a handful there was from behind and a general eye over - undertaken by the farm bailiff Neil.
Within the 'fattening up' pen 8 of the best looking ewes were marked as keepers to be retained by the farm and then they were all let back into the field.
In the market pen the lambs were checked for dags (poopy bums) and cleaned up where necessary. One was found with fly strike (maggots round the back end) and these were removed and some antiseptic spray applied. We then had to put tags in their ears.. One in each - one is the farms unique identification number and the other is used to tag that particular sheep. I had a go at this using a sheep friendly ear piecing machine that punches the tag straight through the ear.. Being a girl I did wonder if this was hurting them but my method was the quicker the better! And that seemed to get the job done! These were then loaded onto the cattle trailer and taken to the farm where they will stay until morning.
Neil then returned to collect the poor doers and will see if they respond to some extra vitamins and minerals, if not I'm afraid they will be put out of their misery!
The collection of sheep included rouges, mules, beltex and something else that I can't remember! But rest assured lil lammies.. I'm still a vegetarian and you'll not end up on my dinner plate x
Rain stops plough play! So it's off to play with some sheep instead!
Today we were on hand to help sort out some lambs for market (sad I know), it started by rounding them into our penning area but that proved too much for two or three who were really weak little things, and Dom ended up fetching them from the field in his car (with his handbrake still on) and we put them in a separate pen away from the others.
We got underway by sorting them in to two new groups, those for market this weekend and those to be kept for finishing off for lamb packs. This was relatively painless with the funky sheep handling system - catching them, letting them out the side door or letting them out forwards. Which door they went out of depended on how much 'meat' was felt across the back, how much of a handful there was from behind and a general eye over - undertaken by the farm bailiff Neil.
Within the 'fattening up' pen 8 of the best looking ewes were marked as keepers to be retained by the farm and then they were all let back into the field.
In the market pen the lambs were checked for dags (poopy bums) and cleaned up where necessary. One was found with fly strike (maggots round the back end) and these were removed and some antiseptic spray applied. We then had to put tags in their ears.. One in each - one is the farms unique identification number and the other is used to tag that particular sheep. I had a go at this using a sheep friendly ear piecing machine that punches the tag straight through the ear.. Being a girl I did wonder if this was hurting them but my method was the quicker the better! And that seemed to get the job done! These were then loaded onto the cattle trailer and taken to the farm where they will stay until morning.
Neil then returned to collect the poor doers and will see if they respond to some extra vitamins and minerals, if not I'm afraid they will be put out of their misery!
The collection of sheep included rouges, mules, beltex and something else that I can't remember! But rest assured lil lammies.. I'm still a vegetarian and you'll not end up on my dinner plate x
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Thursday October 10, 2013
Day 8..
With a chill in the windy air it was time to wrap up a little warmer today, the coat only just fastening over the overalls!
Anyhow, it was back to the field for some more ploughing practice.. Tractors checked over and ploughs greased, revving to go.
Today's hiccups included a broken handbrake, a gear stick stuck in reverse and a sticky guide wheel! We ploughed on regardless..
Oooooh and someone yesterday reported me for bad driving - pulling out of a field far too fast - me and fast exactly!!! At least I know which one of us got that totally wrong!
With a chill in the windy air it was time to wrap up a little warmer today, the coat only just fastening over the overalls!
Anyhow, it was back to the field for some more ploughing practice.. Tractors checked over and ploughs greased, revving to go.
Today's hiccups included a broken handbrake, a gear stick stuck in reverse and a sticky guide wheel! We ploughed on regardless..
Oooooh and someone yesterday reported me for bad driving - pulling out of a field far too fast - me and fast exactly!!! At least I know which one of us got that totally wrong!
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Wednesday October 9, 2013
Dayyyyyyyyyy 7..
Let's get down to business - assignment handed in!!! (Not looking forward to the feedback)
So, following instruction from doms text, it was a 9 am start at the workshop "suited and booted" where we were to begin our ploughing introduction (for those never done it before, of course).
We started with a tractor component refresher where thankfully we all remembered something, then we set about our machines for the day - three big un's un two smaller ones! (I'll learn what the tractor models are honest) then in convoy we headed for whiles close our lovely stubble 'play', sorry teaching field..
Brogan started us off with a furrow set to approximately 8 inches, which for the clay soil type was ok'd by Andy, and with that she headed in a straight slash rather wobbly first line.
I have never undertaken such a task but after learning the ropes of a new tractor (the controls are always on the move) I hitched the revs up, and while on the move, lowered the plough down.. Then wheels guided by the previous run I followed the furrow all the way to the headland, three point turned, flipped the plough over and set off back again.
It can be quite scary, just how far the tractor tilts, as one side runs in a furrow and the other remains on the high ground, but with my rops in place (roll over protection structure aka cab!) I remained cool calm and collected back to the other side of the field. I may not have had the best ploughing technique but it was jolly good having a go!
And for even more field cultivation, how about discing - a much easier way to plough as it does not require as much time and effort, we all had a go at this too, but as this was lower down the field the four wheel drive tractor struggled sometimes, so when that happened it was all about engaging the diff lock for much better traction (but don't forget to take it off when you turn at the end!).
A good days work in the field me feels and with a few entertaining furrows - one the wrong way and one not ploughed at all - the moral of the days lesson was enhanced - anyone can drive a tractor but it takes a certain someone to operate it!!!
Let's get down to business - assignment handed in!!! (Not looking forward to the feedback)
So, following instruction from doms text, it was a 9 am start at the workshop "suited and booted" where we were to begin our ploughing introduction (for those never done it before, of course).
We started with a tractor component refresher where thankfully we all remembered something, then we set about our machines for the day - three big un's un two smaller ones! (I'll learn what the tractor models are honest) then in convoy we headed for whiles close our lovely stubble 'play', sorry teaching field..
Brogan started us off with a furrow set to approximately 8 inches, which for the clay soil type was ok'd by Andy, and with that she headed in a straight slash rather wobbly first line.
I have never undertaken such a task but after learning the ropes of a new tractor (the controls are always on the move) I hitched the revs up, and while on the move, lowered the plough down.. Then wheels guided by the previous run I followed the furrow all the way to the headland, three point turned, flipped the plough over and set off back again.
It can be quite scary, just how far the tractor tilts, as one side runs in a furrow and the other remains on the high ground, but with my rops in place (roll over protection structure aka cab!) I remained cool calm and collected back to the other side of the field. I may not have had the best ploughing technique but it was jolly good having a go!
And for even more field cultivation, how about discing - a much easier way to plough as it does not require as much time and effort, we all had a go at this too, but as this was lower down the field the four wheel drive tractor struggled sometimes, so when that happened it was all about engaging the diff lock for much better traction (but don't forget to take it off when you turn at the end!).
A good days work in the field me feels and with a few entertaining furrows - one the wrong way and one not ploughed at all - the moral of the days lesson was enhanced - anyone can drive a tractor but it takes a certain someone to operate it!!!
Friday, 4 October 2013
Friday October 4, 2013
Day 6...
So, not sticking to the normal timetable yet, my first lesson did not get underway until 12.30 which meant I could spend the morning working on my breeds/livestock assignment (I literally started it as there is plenty for me to research and learn to enable me to answer the questions) I fear it's going to be a busy weekend..
Today's topics included the principles of plant and soil science, grassland management and agricultural crop production. Although we received just a preliminary introduction to all of these subjects today, I think the work load will dramatically increase here! And in theory this section of the course will link seamlessly in to other areas giving us a real insight in to how many farm practices lend themselves to other processes and vice versa... Watch this space.
Our first tutorial consisted of cake in celebration of Rachael's 21st birthday! I'm now wondering if we are going to get treats every week?!
5 o'clock finish and week two complete :)
So, not sticking to the normal timetable yet, my first lesson did not get underway until 12.30 which meant I could spend the morning working on my breeds/livestock assignment (I literally started it as there is plenty for me to research and learn to enable me to answer the questions) I fear it's going to be a busy weekend..
Today's topics included the principles of plant and soil science, grassland management and agricultural crop production. Although we received just a preliminary introduction to all of these subjects today, I think the work load will dramatically increase here! And in theory this section of the course will link seamlessly in to other areas giving us a real insight in to how many farm practices lend themselves to other processes and vice versa... Watch this space.
Our first tutorial consisted of cake in celebration of Rachael's 21st birthday! I'm now wondering if we are going to get treats every week?!
5 o'clock finish and week two complete :)
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Thursday October 3, 2013
Day five...
Left even earlier.... Arrived in bramley car park just after 8! Defiantly not late today... Under 19 yo's went for their student safety talks, the remaining oldies (yep me) had a workshop lesson on a lovely Massey Ferguson model. Sides removed, Andy got us looking for parts of the tractor we could remember from the main component lesson. Each part then described in much further detail with functions and purposes discussed and explained. To become a good tractor driver one must also be able to effectively and efficiently operate the machine... I found this lesson really interesting, having never really looked under a tractors hood before!
We congregated back at the workshop for another 'field' test... But as a consequence of the previous days rain.. Field day ruled out.. So we split back up in to our two working groups where it was our workshop practical session, so as a refresher for those missing earlier, we re-capped on the tractors main components where thankfully I remembered a few notes from earlier... I know there will be a lot to remember with regards to machinery, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first taster!
Once the Massey had her clothes put back on, we headed outside to the yard to have a practice of hitching up and reversing a trailer - practice makes perfect after all.
** fuel from priming pump goes to filter which then goes to the fuel injection pump * psi = pounds per square inch * pre cleaner * driven tyre pattern * pick up hitch = hook * pressure in fuel pump 25,000 psi **
Our afternoon lectures were classroom based and we covered quite a lot from undertaking sheep production to promoting animal health to farm livestock husbandry... Lots to take in of course, as I do not have all of the relevant experience, but interesting all the same. There are many breeds and I will need to learn these for tests that crop up in the next few weeks, and of course a major note to point out with all this talk of livestock and farming is that as a vegetarian!!! I am continually learning about rearing animals for what they were originally designed to do - providing meat and meat by-products.. This I am taking in my stride!
Full on days learning! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and a reminder that I have an assignment that needs doing and handing in next week.. Homework indeed..
Left even earlier.... Arrived in bramley car park just after 8! Defiantly not late today... Under 19 yo's went for their student safety talks, the remaining oldies (yep me) had a workshop lesson on a lovely Massey Ferguson model. Sides removed, Andy got us looking for parts of the tractor we could remember from the main component lesson. Each part then described in much further detail with functions and purposes discussed and explained. To become a good tractor driver one must also be able to effectively and efficiently operate the machine... I found this lesson really interesting, having never really looked under a tractors hood before!
We congregated back at the workshop for another 'field' test... But as a consequence of the previous days rain.. Field day ruled out.. So we split back up in to our two working groups where it was our workshop practical session, so as a refresher for those missing earlier, we re-capped on the tractors main components where thankfully I remembered a few notes from earlier... I know there will be a lot to remember with regards to machinery, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first taster!
Once the Massey had her clothes put back on, we headed outside to the yard to have a practice of hitching up and reversing a trailer - practice makes perfect after all.
** fuel from priming pump goes to filter which then goes to the fuel injection pump * psi = pounds per square inch * pre cleaner * driven tyre pattern * pick up hitch = hook * pressure in fuel pump 25,000 psi **
Our afternoon lectures were classroom based and we covered quite a lot from undertaking sheep production to promoting animal health to farm livestock husbandry... Lots to take in of course, as I do not have all of the relevant experience, but interesting all the same. There are many breeds and I will need to learn these for tests that crop up in the next few weeks, and of course a major note to point out with all this talk of livestock and farming is that as a vegetarian!!! I am continually learning about rearing animals for what they were originally designed to do - providing meat and meat by-products.. This I am taking in my stride!
Full on days learning! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and a reminder that I have an assignment that needs doing and handing in next week.. Homework indeed..
Wednesday October 2, 2013
Day 4...
After an epic journey in - 2 hours sat in Ralph - everyone met at the workshop with the plan to get out in the field.. But due to the good ' ol British weather we were unable to do that and the plan reverted back to the classroom timetable (for the time being anyway). So back in tg1 we had a presentation on the construction of a tractor. Everyone had a go at naming the main components and then each was described and discussed in further detail. Four pages of notes taken (lots to learn).
Pm consisted of us being split into two working groups - girls AND boys not g's v's b's - and after a bit of bribery group one (with me in it) headed off to have an afternoon of sheep practical...
Sheep rounded up
Sheep penned
Sheep generally observed
Then came the dirty work, in turn we had a go at turning a sheep over, my first ever go, then it was a three t check - teeth, teats and toes!!!
We were then kitted up ready to 'drench' six sheep each... 20 mg of stuff administered orally with a buddy marking each one on the back of the head with a dot to confirm done.
Claggy behinds were cleaned up by dom and we then returned the rather wild herd back to their field for some much needed grazing relaxation.
Cool day with lots of new things experienced!!!
After an epic journey in - 2 hours sat in Ralph - everyone met at the workshop with the plan to get out in the field.. But due to the good ' ol British weather we were unable to do that and the plan reverted back to the classroom timetable (for the time being anyway). So back in tg1 we had a presentation on the construction of a tractor. Everyone had a go at naming the main components and then each was described and discussed in further detail. Four pages of notes taken (lots to learn).
Pm consisted of us being split into two working groups - girls AND boys not g's v's b's - and after a bit of bribery group one (with me in it) headed off to have an afternoon of sheep practical...
Sheep rounded up
Sheep penned
Sheep generally observed
Then came the dirty work, in turn we had a go at turning a sheep over, my first ever go, then it was a three t check - teeth, teats and toes!!!
We were then kitted up ready to 'drench' six sheep each... 20 mg of stuff administered orally with a buddy marking each one on the back of the head with a dot to confirm done.
Claggy behinds were cleaned up by dom and we then returned the rather wild herd back to their field for some much needed grazing relaxation.
Cool day with lots of new things experienced!!!
Friday September 27, 2013
In the style of big brother.. Day 3...
I'd like to say we saw the return of the lovely sue sutton but two days previously she cracked the whip and made us undertake our maths and English tests, so as she handed us our awful results (in my case definitely) it was rather worrying what might happen next... But actually she is on our side and gave us an introduction to getting ourselves organised! Noted!!
Before lunch we were introduced to the brand new on site library, which actually I found to be very nice! It's full of books (of course) but provides a versatile and relaxed atmosphere to undertake some much needed research.
It was then time for an afternoon stroll... Ok, the technical term was "farm orientation" where we were given a farm field map and a check list and three hours! All went well for about the first seven fields anyway... Then I think we took a wrong turn, admitted defeat and turned back on ourselves... At least we were out in the great outdoors!
Week one... Complete :-)
I'd like to say we saw the return of the lovely sue sutton but two days previously she cracked the whip and made us undertake our maths and English tests, so as she handed us our awful results (in my case definitely) it was rather worrying what might happen next... But actually she is on our side and gave us an introduction to getting ourselves organised! Noted!!
Before lunch we were introduced to the brand new on site library, which actually I found to be very nice! It's full of books (of course) but provides a versatile and relaxed atmosphere to undertake some much needed research.
It was then time for an afternoon stroll... Ok, the technical term was "farm orientation" where we were given a farm field map and a check list and three hours! All went well for about the first seven fields anyway... Then I think we took a wrong turn, admitted defeat and turned back on ourselves... At least we were out in the great outdoors!
Week one... Complete :-)
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Thursday September 26, 2013
Day two...
"Meet at the buses to go to Flintham Ploughing Match" that was the time table instruction and after meeting Rachael and Phoebe in the car park that's exactly what I did.
The girls and Gary got the smelly bus, but off to the show we went and with friends of flintham badges adorned it was off to explore...
From the man with an owl on his shoulder to the vintage tractor show to the craft tent selling fudge to the horse drawn and tractor driven ploughs it provided something for everyone.
And with extra special ringside shenanigans - an ode to the queen in her carriage, conversation and laughter... It was a fab first trip as an agri student!
"Meet at the buses to go to Flintham Ploughing Match" that was the time table instruction and after meeting Rachael and Phoebe in the car park that's exactly what I did.
The girls and Gary got the smelly bus, but off to the show we went and with friends of flintham badges adorned it was off to explore...
From the man with an owl on his shoulder to the vintage tractor show to the craft tent selling fudge to the horse drawn and tractor driven ploughs it provided something for everyone.
And with extra special ringside shenanigans - an ode to the queen in her carriage, conversation and laughter... It was a fab first trip as an agri student!
Wednesday September 25, 2013
Day one...
A collection of joe public gathers for a day of welcome talks at the brackenhurst campus (now forming part of notts uni) as they embark upon the two year extended national diploma in agriculture...
Me being one of them!!! "What am I doing" I think to myself on the rather long journey to the Southwell destination, but as I look for tg1 I bump into Rachael - also on the lookout for the same classroom and together we take our seats...
Course intro, health and safety intro, student support intro done. Initial tractor driving assessment done. Maths and English test!!!!!! done. Day one complete.
(I made it through!)
A collection of joe public gathers for a day of welcome talks at the brackenhurst campus (now forming part of notts uni) as they embark upon the two year extended national diploma in agriculture...
Me being one of them!!! "What am I doing" I think to myself on the rather long journey to the Southwell destination, but as I look for tg1 I bump into Rachael - also on the lookout for the same classroom and together we take our seats...
Course intro, health and safety intro, student support intro done. Initial tractor driving assessment done. Maths and English test!!!!!! done. Day one complete.
(I made it through!)
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