Read on for a snapshot of life on Rothiemurchus Farm in 2025, from a smooth spring calving through to harvest and preparations for the winter months.

Grant, Rothiemurchus Farmer

Spring calving went very well this year, with the weather being kind throughout the calving period. Lots of healthy, strong calves were born with little intervention needed. Millie Grant assisted throughout the winter 3 days a week, helping with feeding and cattle work, plus many of the other jobs that keep the farm moving. She’s now leaving for a new adventure in America and we wish her the best of luck!

Spring barley sowing took place on time, due to the exceptional weather. In May, once the cattle were turned from a silage diet to grass, attention turned to making more winter fodder. A dry start to the year meant a good crop of pit silage was brought in under good conditions, ready to feed both the cattle and deer over winter. During summer, Grant also carried out fencing, mechanical, and other general repairs.

For the spring barley harvest, a dry start to the year had made for short straw, but the overall crop itself was good. The trusty combine managed to get the whole harvest in, before giving up on the very last field as Grant lifted the header for the very last time! She’ll receive lots of TLC over the winter ready for next year’s harvest. Since then, time has been taken up processing the harvest and work with the cattle.

And just before Christmas Grant took the cattle home to their winter quarters, where they will enjoy the nutritious homegrown winter fodder made in Spring.