51AVÊÓƵ

I often hear farmers told they need a hobby.Ìý

Truth be told, I am not sure I entirely agree.Ìý

My friends regularly point out that all I ever seem to talk about is farming. If I am not writing about livestock, I am talking about livestock. If I am not talking about livestock, I am probably heading somewhere to look at livestock.Ìý

When most people book annual leave, they picture sun, sea and sand. For me, not so much.Ìý

I am also terrible at taking holidays. And when I do eventually book time off, nine times out of 10 it is either to lend a hand at home, attend a show, or travel halfway across the country for a sheep or cattle sale.Ìý

READ NOW:ÌýJeff and Katie Aiken: Stockmanship, success and starting again | For Flock's Sake Ep3

Now, before anyone starts writing in, I completely understand the importance of taking a break.Ìý

We are much better at discussing mental health in agriculture than we once were, and rightly so. Stepping away from the day-to-day pressures and focus of the farm is important. Everyone needs time to recharge.Ìý

But I think there is a difference between taking a break from the pressures of farming and completely removing yourself from the industry.Ìý

For years, whenever I competed in Young Farmers' Situations Vacant competitions, the same question always seemed to crop up: "What are your interests outside agriculture?"Ìý

If I am honest, I have never had a particularly convincing answer.Ìý

I eat, sleep and breathe farming.Ìý

My friends largely come from agriculture. My weekends usually revolve around markets, shows or Young Farmers. Even outside work, many of the conversations I enjoy most are about livestock, breeding decisions or who bought what at the latest sale.Ìý

Perhaps that sounds slightly obsessive. Perhaps it is.Ìý

But I do not think there is anything wrong with genuinely enjoying the industry you are part of.Ìý

In fact, I believe many farmers are exactly the same.Ìý

This week, my parents have left my brother and me in charge while they head north to celebrate Dad's 60th birthday.Ìý

Now, for anyone who knows my parents, the phrase 'holiday' should be used loosely.Ìý

Particularly when it comes to my dad.Ìý

READ NOW:ÌýInside Hexham Auction Mart with Drew Patrick and Harrison Collingwood | For Flock's Sake Ep2

His idea of a day out is at a livestock market, and his idea of a night out is the local silage competition. Which in his defence I must say is a cracking night at the local pub.Ìý

So, it comes as no surprise that their trip to Scotland includes a visit to the NSA ScotSheep event, catching up with friends and, conducting a thorough review of the market breakfasts available north of the border. I am pretty jealous.Ìý

In many ways, they are the perfect example of my point.Ìý

They are taking time away from the farm. They are having a break. They are seeing different places and different people.Ìý

But they are still doing something connected to an industry they genuinely enjoy.Ìý

Meanwhile, back at home, Dad is already making sure we are properly prepared to deliver lambs to Hereford Market for the Three Counties Show carcass competition.Ìý

A highlight of his year, and therefore, naturally, no pressure whatsoever.Ìý

We will find out if we did a good job when they go under the hammer at the show on Saturday. Hopefully I can get five minutes away from the ring while I am reporting to watch it sold.Ìý

And if I do, chances are I will spend most of that time talking to local farmers about farming... obviously.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you a good week in the field. Ìý