Weather:
We received 382 mm of rain in April, May and June, which is higher than average so the farming is looking very verdant, especially after the exceptionally mild dry season. The total rainfall for 2020 so far is 510mm.
Crops:
April and May is planting season, so we’ve been busy planting beans (Chelelang and KK8), Boma Rhodes grass and forage sorghum (E6518).
Weed control this year has been a challenge because of all of the rain we’ve been having.
The part time resident elephant demolished some of the sorghum, but luckily he took his leave before he could cause too much damage.
Seed:
Sales of beans have been strong in Bomet and Kericho counties as everyone makes the most of the rains. Each season demand for Leldet beans grows as more people learn of, and value, the reliability and quality of Leldet seed.
Livestock:
The sheep have moved into a new mobile boma. This will reduce disease spread between cattle and sheep, particularly of Blue Tongue and Rift Valley Fever which are both devastating for calves.
The annual livestock review was conducted in May, giving us a chance to update records and continue to curate exceptional herds of crosses and pure boran.
The steers are as always getting the best of the grazing, this is supplemented by high protein farm-made feed made from sorghum, maize and bean waste from last year, so that they really pack on the kilos.
Our two-cluster milking machine has been commissioned and will come into full service once ongoing upgrades to the diary have been completed.
Covid-19:
Covid-19 has thrown new challenges at the farm and our staff have continued to be exceptionally proactive, professional and responsible. All of the necessary safety and sanitation measures have been enforced, and we’ve been able to continue to be productive and support our employees through this difficult period.
One positive outcome has been that Harry and Elliot have been able to spend more time on the farm due to school closures. Not only have they been very helpful taking on everyday farm jobs, they’ve also been deploying more camera traps, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by all of the wildlife activity. Elliot has managed to capture some exceptional images!
Rajwera Farm 