Live sheep and cattle sales have taken place in some areas now that Scotland has been officially declared free of Foot and Mouth disease. However the market in Oban is not expected to open until October. Iain had his hip replacement operation in mid September and is doing well. However the operation has not stopped him working completely and he has even been out on the hill on his crutches assisting with the recent gatherings!
Sheep
September was a busy month in the Sheep department, with spenning (weaning) the lowground lambs being the task at the beginning of the month. This was followed by gathering Turnalt Hill on the 9th, Grianaig on the 11th, Clachaig on the 16th, Duchra on the 23rd and Arichuan on the 24th. Though no live sales took place, the sale of lambs to other farms was arranged by the market Auctioneers. Some ewe lambs were also sold privately. Again we appreciate the help given by friends with the gatherings.
Cattle
The only Cattle work undertaken over the past month has been the spenning (weaning) of the calves that are to be sold in the sales in December.
Crops
There has been no crop work required this month bar the harvesting of some more of the potatoes. The crop of Turnips are also doing well.
