Blogs
What are blogs?
The word 'blog' is a shortened version of the words 'web-log' or online journal. It has come into popular use as the name for any regularly updated, conversational articles, which are published online, that people read on a regular basis for information or interest.
Mole Valley Farmers publish a wide variety of blogs, by a selection of industry experts and commentors. Find out more about them here!
Our Contributors
Farming
Jilly Greed and her husband Edwin are quality beef producers, farming over 500 acres in the Exe Valley, seven miles north of Exeter. They have around 250 head of cattle and run a closed herd system, breeding their own replacement stock. Although Jilly and Edwin farm in a conventional way, they try to do this with balance and harmony for the wildlife and landscape in a Countryside Stewardship agreement on parts of the farm. Jilly is a co founder of Ladies in Beef, who are spearheading the 2011 Great British Beef Week. Read her blog now…
 David Kennard is a North Devon sheep farmer with a team of nine working dogs. Probably best known among his team is Mist, the star of TV and film, although David has also written books about the highs and lows of a life on the farm. David, Mist and the rest of his sheepdogs give displays at Borough Farm and at Dunster Castle in Somerset throughout the summer. Read his blog now...
Zoe and Maurice Davey farm 170 all grass acres (some rented) at Northlew, near Okehampton, Devon. We milk 95 Holsteins averaging around 9,500L. We rear all our calves putting the bulls and beef ones right through to finishing. A small flock of sheep covers a few fields unsuitable for cattle. We make all our own silage and also contract for some of our neighbours. For the last 18 months we have been milking three times a day. Read Zoe's blog now...
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Smallholders
 Liz Wright is the Editor of Smallholder Magazine, which she compiles from her smallholding in the Cambridgeshire Fens. In her spare time, as well as keeping bees and growing fruit and veg, she works with her Exmoor ponies and also covers Cambridgeshire for the Donkey Sanctuary, which is based in Sidmouth. Her friends say that she clearly spends more time outside than inside to judge by the state of her unfortunate house! Liz writes for us about topical issues affecting smallholders. Read her blog now…
 Nick de Cent is a journalist who lives and works on a small-holding near Colyton in Devon. He keeps a variety of rare-breed chickens, doves, dogs, cats and a pony, grows his own fruit and veg and also brews beer and cider. He hopes to move into bee-keeping and milking goats before long. His main interests are natural history, the countryside and cooking good food with fresh, local produce. Nick writes for us about the seasonal aspects of smallholding and current events. Read his blog now…
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Equestrian
 Event rider Lucy Wiegersma is currently ranked third in Great Britain. Lucy is the only rider to have won all three National titles - Junior Rider Championship, Young Rider Championship and Senior British National champion. She was selected to represent Team GB at the Beijing Olympics, but was forced to withdraw due to injury to her horse Shaabrak. Read her blog now…
 Worcestershire based Maria Eilberg has dressage in her blood – she is the daughter of Ferdi Eilberg, one of Britain’s most respected dressage riders/trainers, while it was her mother who, according to Maria, got her started as her first dressage trainer. And, although still only 26 years old, Maria could already be considered a ‘Veteran’ when it comes to competing in top level dressage! Take a look at her list of major achievements and you’ll see why. Read her blog now...
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Shooting
 Our own Ian Mather writes for our shooting section. Before joining Mole Valley Farmers as a Product Manager he was an Estate Manager in Wiltshire for a London property developer (Tamara Beckwith’s uncle). The Estate ran a private shoot with a number of commercial let days. Ian has published several scientific papers as co-author on bovine intermediary metabolism, been a Director of a successful Berkshire Agricultural Merchant business, trained as an accountant for two years and was Road Manager for an American rock band that toured with David Bowie. Read his blog now…
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Pet
David Kennard is a North Devon sheep farmer with a team of nine working dogs. Probably best known among his team is Mist, the star of TV and film, although David has also written books about the highs and lows of a life on the farm. David, Mist and the rest of his sheepdogs give displays at Borough Farm and at Dunster Castle in Somerset throughout the summer. Read his blog now...
 Megan Price lives in Malvern in Worcestershire and is the proud owner of Barney, an endearing three year old border collie. Barney was rescued by Megan and her family and when he arrived he was extremely nervous. With Megan’s care and attention he has blossomed into a happy, lively, contented dog and his antics provide entertaining reading! Megan is an expert at photography and, with Barney providing excellent material, we are pleased to publish her latest news and photos. Read her blog now…
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General Interest
In addition, our resident vet Patrick Traill has recently created a Vet Viewpoint section to help bring information to farmers on current topical issues of concern related to animal health and welfare. Topics that will keep farmers informed and up to date include everything from infectious disease and legislation to current issues on best practice and potential gains or threats to farming in the region. Read his Vet Viewpoint now…
Plus, we offer health advice aimed at farmers, smallholders, equestrian customers, gardeners and more with Osteopath James Wilson, BSc Hons Ost.Med. DO. Topics cover a variety of ailments and include an explanation of common conditions, suggested exercises and tips for avoiding future problems. Read his Osteopathy advice now...
We hope you will enjoy reading our blogs, which are updated once a month. We will soon be adding more ‘bloggers’ to our list, so keep an eye on the website for new authors.
If you know of anyone who would make a good blogger, or would be willing yourself, please get in touch with debra.affleck@molevalleyfarmers.com.
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