By the time you read this we will be sitting on the shortest day or have just waved it goodbye and I am writing this diary in warm sunny weather, just like summer. 

Brian has had BIG RED for 15 years.

Exceptional for June.

Although I feel we are still suffering what has been the worst drought conditions for many years, the grass or what was left of it has greened up but has not had the growth needed for the winter months ahead.

I have had some steers that should have been sold prior to winter but who was buying stock during the drought? Nobody.

Anyway over the last few weeks they have regained some of their condition and hopefully should be at the sales in the next week or two.  I’m hoping for reasonable prices.

My leaf saga is still going on and I must thank those of you who have had advice for me as to how to dispose of them. Not all complimentary I must add, but there were some good ideas. I usually set

this time of year aside as my tidy up period.

We are currently getting rid of unwanted or nuisance trees, lopping off over hanging branches, tidying up under hedges and getting on with gate and fence repairs.

Wire fences do require constant attention and I have found lots of staples on some of the older fences had popped out and needed to be restapled, along with straightening and replacing battens.

I did intend this month to bring you up to date with progress on our yearling colt Elsudoku, but just ran out of time.

He is looking great though and I will have a photo next month.

I can’t count the number of people enquiring as to his wellbeing – many thanks for that.

My product/service mentions for the month is a Pukekohe company, Mr Motorcycles.

Over 15 years ago I purchased a second hand four-wheeled bike, Honda BIG RED, from this company and it is still going strong, which I believe is due to their excellent service.

I have had only one or two breakdowns – minor issues like flat batteries – but when these do occur the company responds immediately to my call for help.

I am normally without my bike for only one day. Great service guys, I know where I’ll get my next bike.

See you next month.

• Brian Neben publishes Rural Living, and during the weekends is an avid lifestyle farmer.