At 10:00 this morning, a group of nine steers were gathered near their favourite Sandy Hill corner. Steers 30, 217, 220, 222, 228, 270, and 271 were resting and chewing their cud in the sunshine, while older steers 21 and 35 had wandered west to graze among the gorse. The boys were all friendly, coming over to say hello and enjoy some strokes. Youngsters 222 and 228 were especially friendly, taking turns to enjoy long neck and back scratches, returning the affection with gentle head rubs. They would go and lie down while the other received attention. Youngster 227 had been grazing at the far eastern end of Sandy Hill, and youngster 230 was near the pill box. By 10:35, both had wandered along to greet me and enjoy some strokes. Before I left at 11:00, several of the cattle had moved into the gorse to graze in the shade. All thirteen were happy, relaxed, and in good condition.
At 11:05, the seven Sussex cattle were found further west along Sandy Hill, near ///dissolve.fast.regaining. Cow 211 and steers 210 and 1640 were lying down, relaxing and chewing their cud, and were happy to be approached for scratches. The other four continued grazing for a while, before cow 212 and steers 197 and 1626 lay down to rest. Cow 1396 wandered over for a back scratch, wriggling from side to side and stretching her neck, clearly loving every second. All seven were happy and healthy.
By 11:30, the final seven cattle were found northeast of the water tower. Steers 20 and 33 were grazing under the shade of the trees, enjoying leaves and grass growing around the bushes. Cows 214 and 234 were resting together on one grassy island, while cows 72 and 940, along with steer 219, were resting on another behind them. They were all very friendly, allowing me to approach and give them plenty of strokes. There were a few flies around, and they were happy for me to sit close, helping to keep them away. Youngster 219 stretched out on his side for a long belly rub, before cow 940 got up and approached for a back scratch. All seven were happy and healthy. As I was saying my goodbyes at 12:05, they began to get up and drift off to join the boys.
As I was leaving, I passed the Sussex cattle again, now all lying down on both sides of the main path, relaxing in the sunshine.
The boys were all lying down at their favourite corner, with most resting on the grass bund, either chewing their cud or snoozing, while a few rested on the harder ground below. After a short while, youngster 222 came over for more strokes and eventually rested his head on my shoulder as I knelt, dozing off. I said my goodbyes at 13:05, leaving them all content.
The cows were all good today.