Dear Friends,

The old saying “better late than never” really applies to this letter but the sentiments are just as valid.

2024 has been a difficult year for a lot of people. Weather, markets, family concerns affect most of us but somehow we are given the strength to face another year.

Westvale started off 2024 very dry to the point we were nearly out of water so a lot of cattle had to be sold. Winter came and things improved to the point where we had a great spring. Calving went very well, lots of lambs and grass so our smiles and well being improved greatly.

Family wise we have enjoyed the birth of two new great grand children (making three) and also the birth of Penny Wren to Will and Jen our Manager in the making.

Will and Jen spent December in England with Will’s family and Ben has been a great backstop while they were away. Leo has enjoyed the company of Will and Ben this year and they have taken on a lot of the responsibility making life a little easier for Leo. Jen is a great homemaker and it will be lovely seeing Penny growing up on Westvale.

We wish you all a Healthy and Happy 2025. We can only wish that markets improve and costs slow down.

Kind regards

Leo & Judy

FATHER CHRISTMAS COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER (10 reasons why)

  1. He works all year just to give his goods away.
  2. He’s good with livestock.
  3. He knows how to get by with the same equipment season after season.
  4. He works outside even in bad weather.
  5. He’s good with children.
  6. His wife is an excellent cook.
  7. He could stand to lose a few pounds (see reason 6)
  8. He’s used to getting in and out of tight places.
  9. He covers a lot of ground in a hurry when the pressure is on.
  10. He takes care of the needs of the whole world.