Yesterday was Plough Monday, the first Monday after Epiphany (6th January) and historically the first day of normal work for the farmer and his men after the 12 days of Christmas. It was the time when the plough was sharpened in readiness for the hard work to come, dressed with greenery and paraded through the village accompanied by much dance, songs and often a traditional play. (See http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/plough_mon.htm) for more detail.

A time of new beginnings then and hope for the future. It seems a good time for me to start this Blog. There is a tangible air of expectation about this farm now. We are still in the depths of winter but, like those ploughmen, we are getting our tools ready for the work to come. The barn has been tidied, decisions have been made about where we will put kidding pens this year now that we will have nearly 100 goats and sheep giving birth and we are planning next year’s grazing options. The day is longer. At 7.30am I can see! Whatever the  weather over the next month the year has turned and we are climbing back towards the light and warmth of spring.