This month I start where I finished last month. In my last paragraph I mentioned the petition requesting the government to ensure that food imported is to the same standard as we produce here in the UK for you.
The NFU had support from the media and our President, Minette, sent out a video to thank everyone who signed the petition. Her timing coincided when one million had supported it. I thank those in Tilbrook who helped the cause. In case you missed it, the link is here again:
https://www.campaigns.nfuonline.com/page/56262/petition/1?en_chan=fb
The 80 000 emails to MP’s & the lobby have caused a U turn & today the government have announced the setting up a Trade & Agricultural Commission.
The rain in the last few weeks has been very welcome. Farmers are satisfied! The prospects for harvest are looking better again. Nothing is safe yet. But we are getting ready. As hay was all done early, I would be happier though if I had been able to book up a quick holiday & get away before harvest.
This week we should be having a family wedding, & in September Ruth & I was invited to her God Daughter’s wedding. One local & the other in South Island New Zealand. Alas both changed. But I am pleased weddings are starting again & this week our beef is being served at one in the area. I hope the food will be like the numbers: Quality rather than quantity!
In the last month we have been making improvements around the farm. You may have noticed some wider gateways to assist getting the ever-bigger tackle into the fields. Some of the gateways were more suited to a pony and trap & skill was needed to get into some fields without ditching. At the other end of the spectrum there are two new electronic gadgets in the shop. One was proving quite tricky to source. I had international phone calls from Ireland & Warsaw in Poland before getting sorted. Hopefully, you will have a better experience when next in the shop.
Currently there is just one slaughterhouse operating in Cambridgeshire. Years ago, there would have been one in nearly every village. Animals would have been walked from the farm and food miles were not measurable. The abattoir we have been using for the last 15 years suddenly closed. The interpretation of some of the regulations was greater than the boss could take. He chose to shut and is currently working with less stress. He still has a license and could start again after lockdown.
We are currently going to one with a Leicester post code. It is a few miles closer than the previous journey. I am hopeful they can do what we want, and you will not notice any change.
As we have not been to any shows and limited activity of interest, I was short of a photo for this month. So, Sunday afternoon I went for a walk with my camera. I prefer it to my phone for a good picture. I include what I found. I don’t know who was the most surprised! A Roe deer with her fawn was in focus. Not my best quality but subject didn’t wait to allow a better snap. Soon after I found what I went for, the Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia). They have had a good early flowering season. Both subjects are quite rare & my pleasure to share with you.
No report next month as traditionally all are away or busy harvesting. So, lets hope lockdown continues to be released and we can meet again.