Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
#Farm24 is back, and we are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic initiative once again!
For 24 hours, starting from 5 am on Thursday 3rd August until 5 am on Friday 4th August, farmers across the UK will come together to showcase the diverse world of agriculture. Through live feeds of pictures, videos, Facebook posts, TikToks, Instagram stories, and Tweets, you’ll get a glimpse of the passion and dedication that goes into producing the food we all enjoy. Farming is not just a job but a way of life.
Sponsored by The Farmers Guardian and Morrisons #Farm24 aims to bridge the gap between farmers and the British public, to give a deeper understanding of the hard work, commitment, and love that goes into every aspect of farming.
It's a chance for us to celebrate and promote the many ways British farming positively impacts our economy, nourishes the nation, preserves the countryside, fights climate change, and contributes to overall well-being.
From our farm perspective, #Farm24 offers a unique opportunity to share our story with a wider audience. We take pride in responsibly raising our beef cattle and sheep, while also maintaining our picturesque Peak District landscape sustainably. We utilise the latest farming technology, whilst minimising our impact on the land. Our "LoveLocal" policy extends not only to the produce we grow but also to our hospitality for holiday guests who experience our special place during their stay.
Throughout the day, we will be actively participating in #Farm24, documenting various farming activities. The farm animals are out at grass for the summer, but both sheep and cows need checking daily to ensure they are not injured, or infected by flies. It's important to count the cows to make sure none have escaped over the walls - last week Edwin the bull disappeared and was found with the neighbour's cows; as they say grass is always greener on the other side!
The free-range chickens need feeding and watering and locking up at night so Mr Fox doesn't eat them! Then there’s field work including, pasture topping, gate repairs, and fixing dry stone walls.
Meanwhile, I'll be multitasking, baking biscuits, preparing for the arrival of holiday guests, managing farm-related administrative tasks, and sharing our journey on social media. What makes farming interesting is that no two days are the same!
Farming has always been a challenging vocation, shaped by weather, seasons, livestock needs, and long hours of hard work. But it's a way of life that is vital in shaping the countryside, supporting rural communities, and providing essential food for the entire nation. David was born and bred at Hoe Grange and we are fortunate that our self-catering holiday business supports our farming income, allowing us to continue our rural lifestyle.
This week we have been TB testing the cows, which is always nerve-wracking. It's not just about animal health, TB has an impact on our farm income. It is such a relief when the whole herd is passed as TB free, allowing us to trade and send our beef cows to the Bakewell market.
At Hoe Grange, we understand the importance of sustainability, harnessing the natural resources around us. From solar panels that track the sun to a wind turbine generating electricity, we're committed to running a modern farming business that minimizes overheads and remains competitive.
Let's continue to support British farming and its vital role in our lives and the environment.
follow #Farm24 on social media on Thursday 3rd August to see what farmers across the UK are getting up to!
Happy #Farm24!
Felicity