A day in the life of a farmer (well, a morning!)

On what was forecast to be a rainy autumn day, my mate Sarah and I packed up our coats and boots set off for our Farmer Experience, which we’d booked as a treat to ourselves on our days off (yes, that’s right, we are grown ups – it’s not just for little people you know!).

While checking in at the office and picking up our free t-shirts, we talked with our allocated farmer (I say farmer, it was Farmer Ant, any regulars to the farm will know that’s a stretch!) about what we’d like to do and see that morning – they make sure you get time with your favourite animals. For me it’s goats, so that was our first stop! We headed to the silver barn and into baby pygmy goats pen. So much fun! Some wanted fuss, some cuddles and some just wanted to leap around and play. We spent ages with them and taking photos (Farmer Ant tried to get close up goat pics, but the babies were having none of it and all piled onto him as soon as he sat down!).

Next up was some time with the armadillos. After a quick stop off for mealworms, then foot dips, we went in with mum Matilda and her baby daughter Delilah. Mum was already out and about in her indoor pen, but Delilah was having a lie in – she eventually popped her bleary-eyed head out to say hello and to see what was on offer – very cute! They loved the mealworms (me, not so much!).

By the time we were done, it had stopped raining and so we set off on a field walk. The donkeys came to see us so we gave them some fuss! Then carried on around the fields and saw the infamous goat Kylie – not being too sociable as it was starting to rain again. It was time for a coffee break, so we headed indoors again and talked about what we wanted to do next. We’d not seen the new reptile house, so that was next on the list and Sarah’s fave animals are meerkats, so they were added to the list.

Farmer Ant showed us around ‘Reptiles of the World’ and talked a bit about the animals in there and it was feeding time for the chameleons (crickets and yes, more wormy things!) – Sarah got to feed one with what looked like very long tweezers (I’m sure they have a technical name!). The crocodiles were amazing – much bigger than I’d expected!

Then it was back outside (it had stopped raining again!) and over to the meerkats. We went in with the girl mob and they are super-excitable (mainly to see snacks I think!). Sarah and I sat down in their outdoor enclosure and worms were placed on our boots, then on our knees, then on our shoulders. Each time the snacks arrived the girls were on them – and us! They don’t care if they are grabbing and crunching down on a bug right next to your ear – they were loving life! It was great fun – even though my face doesn’t show it, as I tried to make sure no mealworms got pushed down my top!

Last of all we went to see the cows and pigs, via the pumpkin patch. We each selected a pumpkin and after a quick stop for photos at the big Halloween frame, we walked up pumpkins in arms to see what they’d think of them.

Firstly we visited the cows. Anthony threw two of the pumpkins into the field – one broke up and was instantly set upon by a couple of cows. The other pumpkin remained intact and Blaze, one of the jersey cows immediately ran over and went into football mode – she started dribbling it along the field edge – I’ve never seen such footwork (and nose work!). If Forest need a new winger they should look no further! She looked like she was having a great time with her new toy.

We left the cows to it and went off to see what the pigs would think of their treat. Farmer Anthony demonstrated his basketball skills again – the pumpkin was launched high in the air, landing with a crunch and breaking into pieces. One of the pigs ran over, grabbed a big piece in her mouth but instead of eating it, she proudly paraded it around her pen and then headed off back to her bed with it! The other pigs all tucked into the rest of the pumpkin and were making the best noises!

It was great morning, we both loved it and would recommend it to anyone – and don’t worry if it’s rainy, grab your coat and wellies and get out there, I guarantee that you’ll have fun! We’ll be back and no doubt covered in grubs again and laughing our heads off – thanks White Post Farm Team!

Frankie Lee