Farmer's Blog
August 2008
The summer so far has been slightly disappointing in respect of the weather, although I am happy to report that visitor numbers have held up well.
Our attempts at hay making in July turned into silage as we decided to play it safe once the weather forecaster suddenly changed his mind. We are desperately hoping for a window in the weather to enable us to eventually make some hay and complete our harvest.
We will be travelling to Carlisle on Wednesday 20th August to purchase some more cattle and the first 200 ewes have been put with the rams. Our first lambs should be born around 28th December.
Planning permission has been requested for a new cattle shed on site, this will hold 120 beef cattle and will be round in shape. It will incorporate a viewing gallery and hopefully will be a popular new attraction. This will enable us to increase our variety of other animals in the main farmyard when the beef cattle move to their new home.
We are also hoping to further expand the adventure playground this winter, the last extension proved a real hit and we have got some great ideas to make it even better - watch this space!
Finally a big thank you to all our regular visitors who continue to visit, eat and shop with us, we are very grateful for their support in these challenging economic times.
Best Wishes
Robert the Farmer
New arrivals at Cannon Hall Farm
2 Lambs born 16th August 2008
Daisy the Donkey born 15th August 2008
2 Anglo Nubian Goats born 1st August 2008
There was also plenty of action in the maternity ward at Cannon Hall Farm over the Christmas period:
Baby Llama born December 28th.
The female Llama which was a lovely Christmas surprise was named Holly. Mother and baby are doing well and proving a big hit with visitors.
Lamb Triplets born 13th January
Quads born 3rd January
Already the Lambing season is in full swing and with around 600 lambs expected between January and Easter there should be new babies to see almost every day.
Piglets born 12th January.
We have had plenty of piglets born since the Christmas period and you'll be able to view them at close quarters playing in the straw or being fed by mum.
Goat Kids born January 3rd
We have had an early start to kidding this year with some arrivals even before Christmas. All seem to be doing well and not minding the chilly weather too much.
So there's plenty of action and excitement on the farm and as far as the animals are concerned spring is already here! Come and visit us to view the newborns.
Tractor Ted At Cannon Hall Farm Thursday 14th August
For all children crazy about tractors and farm machines there is a treat in store at Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley on Thursday 14th August.
The loveable Tractor Ted, cartoon star of the real life farming films and books for young children is coming down for a visit.
Not only will Tractor Ted himself be there to play on but there will also be other really big farm machinery to see too! Ripon Farm Services will be bringing some really powerful tractors and there will be other interesting farm machines for visitors to see.
Tractor Ted will be showing his films on TV throughout the day and there will be lots of drawing, reading and games to play. You can also win lots of free Tractor Ted DVDs and books in the big prize draw.
The day starts at 10.00am and finishes at 5.00pm. In addition to the entertainment offered by Farmer Ted, Cannon Hall Farm provides a warm welcome for everyone to see and feed our animals in the farm yard and play in our adventure playground.
Usual farm admission prices apply and will give you access to see Farmer Ted. The site offers a full range of refreshments developed to accommodate most people’s needs and pockets with a choice of eating in our restaurant or selecting a snack from the Deli or Ice Cream parlours.