At the time of writing, the harvest has just begun, and Nick, our Farm Manager, reports that he cannot remember a time when combining has started as early as 2am like it has this year.
Farming
The extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions mean that the moisture content of the crop is too low by 11am and as a result, the grain becomes too brittle and can shatter during combining, causing yield losses. The team is therefore taking advantage of the cooler night-time conditions when moisture levels are slightly higher and the crop is in a better condition to be harvested. While the dry weather has allowed harvesting to begin earlier than usual, it also highlights the significant challenges that changing weather patterns and prolonged periods of drought are creating for modern farming operations and how each year brings a new challenge.
Welcome to our newest commercial tenant
The Old Cart Shed at Haw Farm is the latest of our properties to receive a new tenant and that new occupier is Isla James Interiors. Isla James Interiors were previously based in Pangbourne so have not moved far. Headed by Jo Calver who set up the business in 2015 Isla James Interiors are interior architects and designers specialising in luxury design and lighting throughout the UK for both commercial and private clients. The team growing team offer partial design for smaller projects right through to full turn key design services.
Jo wanted to move their business to the Yattendon Estate to allow it to grow and to create a space to showcase their work and ideas to future clients. They have started the transformation of the Old Cart Shed already and we look forward to seeing the finished product when the team moves in later in the year.
Yattendon Classic Vehicle Day
Sunday 28th June was the 10th anniversary of the Yattendon Classic Vehicle Day and a fantastic day was had by all. The weather kindly cooled down a little (although more than 1 of the organising committee still got sunburnt) which meant we saw a huge turnout of both display vehicles and members of the public. We are yet to tally up the final sums raised for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance but we are hopeful it will be our highest amount yet. We are always making improvements to the show and this year there was a new entrance for display vehicles and a new catering ‘hub’ which proved popular. The day was made all the more memorable with a flyover by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota which was very impressive as it flew low over the showground 3 times and made some impressive turns in between each pass. Thank you to the very kind owner of one of the Morgans on display for this lovely photo.
