Visitor highlights the unique nature of Irish farming

We share a time zone but Irish and South African farming differs dramatically

South African journalist Lindi Botha on the Hynes' farm.

As I sat down to write my latest article the phone rang, an excited Pete on the other end of the call told me that my Highland cow named Trixie just gave birth to a calf. 

Trixie was an anniversary present from Pete a few years ago which he sourced from the UK as a heifer. She spends her summer in the paddock alongside our house. We always AI Trixie to a pedigree Highland bull and have a wonderful yearling heifer from her named Heather. As I rushed out to see the newborn, conscious not to upset Trixie as I got closer, it quickly dawned on me that all was not right.