SFP money for Christmas.

Neville and Margaret Stacey farm 130ha (320 acres) of upland LFA/ SDA. They run a herd of Aberdeen Angus across cows, finishing prime cattle for Waitrose and a flock of Speckle Face ewes.

* As one year ends and another begins it's a time to reflect on things past and look forward. Who could have anticipated England winning the Ashes or the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina? But we always knew who would win the Grand Slam.

A year ago all was well with the Stacey family until early in January when Lucy, wife of our eldest son, Simon, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After a tough time the good news is that she has finished all the treatments, her beautiful blond hair is growing back and she is slowly regaining her strength. They both remain strong and positive for each other and their family.

Reflecting on things past -- the Welsh Winter Fair was held on the coldest days of 2005. Having checked my appendages which are all present and correct, I conclude that the frostbite was temporary. The standard of livestock entries was second to none, so all credit to those competing.

Earlier in the year we had the opportunity to purchase some land we have grazed for several years. It was too good a chance to miss, but paying for it will concentrate the mind for a while.

Thank you, Welsh Assembly for delivering Christmas goodies early. Yes, 80% of SFP is in the bank. Sods Law, in the same week the main tractor blew a head gasket. It's now in pieces in the shed awaiting some TLC. I am resisting the temptation to buy a newer model. Fair play though, having banned the wife from the January sales I can hardly start blowing SFP money.

I was spruced up in a shirt and tie at a 21st birthday party the other night when one YFC wag came up and proclaimed: "You look more prosperous in real life than you do in Farmers Weekly." There's no answer to that is there?

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Edited by Jonathan Long, 020 8652 4922