We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new 6m Horsch Pronto. This will be the third Pronto we’ve had over the years, but our first 6m drill, as our previous ones have been 4m.

We are combination-drilling seed and fertiliser, which we have been doing for many years. We find this a huge benefit, especially on spring crops.

See also: Suffolk grower sees big savings with lean management

About the author

Annabel Hamilton

Annabel Hamilton farms 1,030ha of arable in the Scottish Borders with her parents. The arable area grows 65% winter and 35% spring crops. She is Basis and Facts qualified and runs a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The farm finishes more than 300 Limousin cattle a year.  Follow Annabel on Twitter @annabelhami11

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Since coming home, I have been increasing the size of the kit for a few reasons: first, to utilise the horsepower we have; second, to help cover our increasing acreage; and, most importantly, to reduce the hours spent on machinery, which helps to support operators in finding that work-life balance.

At the end of January I attended one of the Farmstrong Scotland meetings where Marc Gascoigne from New Zealand shared his mental health journey.

He shared how he overcame anxiety and depression, and the steps he uses to help manage challenges.

This event was well attended at the Border Union Showground, and some important take-home messages were embedded in me:

• Always keep talking, whether it’s friends, family or contacting some of the great charities which have been set up to help with rural mental health.
• Have an internal delete button. Delete negative thoughts and actions which may have occurred that day, and try not to dwell on things.
• Take a couple of positives from each day and end the day feeling upbeat.

Another meeting I attended a couple of weeks ago was Agrii’s spring Time To Plan session, with four excellent speakers.

At the end, a friend stood up to talk about Pickups For Peace, which was created to deliver used 4×4 vehicles and other equipment to the front line in Ukraine.

Pickups For Peace are looking for the support of the UK farming community to provide direct support through donating their second-hand pick-ups and everyday farm equipment.

As the war in Ukraine has passed its one-year anniversary, it seems poignant to continue to do what we can to help.