New format - Same me!

Newsletter #13

Good Morning everyone - its Sunday and its raining, again. Even the dogs didn’t really want to go out for a pee this morning and I can hardly blame them, its rubbish out there!

I’ve been thinking, I need to get this newsletter out weekly - that was always my aim when I started this. I have loads of ideas and thoughts to share but each time I write one it feels like I am writing an assignment from scratch! I put loads of time into it, researching and writing - if I am going to get out a weekly edition it needs to be more to the point and structured. So, this is how I am going to do it.

Each week I will share;

1 image from my week ( from my phones gallery) that sums up my week.

2 thoughts that have been at the forefront of my mind this week.

3 links, websites / podcasts / books that I have enjoyed this week.

I think this simple, and widely used format, will give my readers I better feel for me, what I have been up to and what I am thinking about right now etc.

So, this past week……

I walk these byways most days, I notice even the subtle little changes…seeing these blue beauties poking through this week was a sure fire sign that spring is on its way at last! THANK GOODNESS!

Weekly thoughts 

1. We must get better at telling our story. I watched the amazing Six Inches of Soil film this week - brilliant and a must see whether your a farmer / or consumer, everyone needs to see this film. Anyway, my point - the 3 featured farmers were all VERY good at telling their story. Their social media accounts are a tool, they are as important as their tractor / machinery / livestock crush / poly tunnel etc etc. Obviously an online presence will help massively with D2C sales, but don’t underestimate the power of it when it comes to recruitment, or local planning apps, applying for grants etc etc.

2. Social groups are critical for me. I have been back to bootcamp training this week, I ache like hell as a result but loved being back in that group again. The 6pm class I go to can be 10 - 25 people big, no other farming types and that is like a breath of fresh air tbh! Although I love being on my own, in my own company - I do need that social group experience a couple of times a week. Talking and sharing laughs, getting our head down and working out hard - great for mind, body and soul. What do you do to get away from it all 2 or 3 times a week?

Links

1. My First Million - By far my favourite podcast right now. And this episode with Sarah Moore is just incredible - I have listened to it a few times now. Who knew buying an EGG CARTON business would be so fascinating!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF6zvTXimxY 

2. Rooted, How Regen Farming Can Change The World - Sarah Langford. My go too book at the moment, I grab 20mins most mornings before the rest of the house wakes up! Beautifully written and so easy to read and get lost in. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/321400/rooted-by-langford-sarah/9780241991824

    

3. Spaniel Aid UK.The BEST dog rescue charity in the UK. They are nearly at 4,000 spaniels that they have rehomed - an insane number! If you are looking for a dog, I can’t recommend these guys enough! 3 of our 4 dogs are ex SAUK! https://spanielaid.co.uk/

So that was my week in 500 words - any questions? Fire me over a reply and I will come straight back to you.

Take care

Ben

Fancy working together?

- I offer a strategic Farm Manager service. 

- Mentoring and coaching individuals and employees.

- Creating sociable events for physical and mental wellbeing.

I would love to hear from anyone who would like to start a conversation. Just reply to this email. 

Find me over on X and IG - for all things Farming, Family & Ipswich Town Football Club!  https://twitter.com/bencm305

IG - @greenacres_23