Anne-Marie Hamilton writes her montly column about life on Wood Farm.

The Hunts Post: Anne Marie Hamilton of Wood Farm.Anne Marie Hamilton of Wood Farm. (Image: Newsquest)

After weeks of anxiously scanning the skies and cursing the incessant rain that was preventing him from re-starting harvest, Rob managed to miss the event completely when the sun finally came out again.

As the combines rolled onto Wood Farm, he was fast asleep in hospital, getting a new knee.

There had been a bit of prevarication about whether or not Rob could leave the farm in the middle of harvest but, when the offer of a cancellation arrived, it really was a ‘no-brainer’ – harvest going ahead with an experienced team - but without him, versus remaining on the NHS waiting list with many million more sufferers for possibly another couple of years.

I do not know whether I dare tell him that everything went like clockwork. Not only was harvest safely gathered in by our business partners and their wonderful crew, but the winter oil seed rape was drilled in timely fashion and the straw all baled and carted in quick succession, leaving the farm ready for Autumn.

I have been designated ‘chief shepherd’ as the sheep have turned up for their annual summer holidays. Mind you, I am not too sure that these are real sheep as when we wanted to move them to another paddock so that they could have a fresh bite of grass, just before Rob went into hospital, they flatly refused to move.

I really do not know what to make of them, and am worrying about what dreadful alternatives they might be planning.

I can see that the next few weeks are going to be quite interesting. One well-meaning friend who was trying to encourage Rob to accept the cancellation said 'well, at least you can leave Anne-Marie in charge, so it will be fine'.

For some reason, Rob went pale and looked extremely concerned. I cannot think why. What could possibly go wrong?