Ethan Bird Photography
Ethan Bird Photography
January
A farmer’s life is varied, interesting, hard work, frustrating, and rewarding. Two days are never the
same. Inheritance tax a bit of a shock. A huge worry to tenant farmers as we don't know what tax
planning path our landlord will take. Will that notice to quit arrive and crush all our hopes and plans
of being successful hard working productive tenants making a living for ourselves our family and
paying our rent. Whatever is happening around us we need to tend our animals and look after the
ecosystems that are part of the bubble of life. We cannot shut down our farms and start again when
things are looking better. Producing food is a long-term plan.
Glen Iris Farm
February
Tb testing this month. So much depends on being clear of Tb sometimes the
actual survival of the business. I wish no animal to suffer with Tb either the
cattle or the badger. We must wait for a suitable vaccine. But we still need to
think carefully on management of badgers as they predate on our beloved
hedgehogs.
March
April
We farm we care for the environment. We produce good quality food with high welfare. We are part of
our rural community. Our understanding of the land we farm is imbedded in generations of knowledge.
The Climate change committee published this month, along with the contribution from the Agricultural
Advisory group. Our report was ignored, showing no understanding of livestock stratification. How
grazing animals are a major part of the carbon cycle. Tell me why GHG has gone up for which ruminate
livestock are blamed. When ruminate livestock numbers have reduced considerably over the last 2 to 3
decades? The livestock numbers are still falling. How can we increase production of corn when fertiliser
and chemicals have been reduced to protect our environment. We will have to import more produce. At
which countries expense, should we be able to export our net-zero.
TB Testing
Started lambing the small flock. And getting ready for the hill flocks to come
home from the moor to lamb. Making sure paperwork is up to date.
BANG. Defra announce the sudden ending of entry to the Sustainable Farming
Incentive. For all in the uplands we have had a lot less time to put an application
together. This leaves the haves and the have nots. Approximately 50% of farms
looking into the abyss. Many tenants will have had their rent set on receiving basic
payments until 2027 and Sustainable Farming Incentive. Both have disappeared at
a blink of an eye. No warning so plans can be put in place so the rent can still be
paid to the landlord. Food security is needed in these uncertain times.
Showers or rainstorms. Will the grass come early or late. So much depends on the
weather, and it is changing. Pregnancy testing the cows with the vet. How did the new bull
work, did he get bitten by a tick making him infertile for a couple of months. New bull did
OK what a relief, So, cows to moor to graze and manage the vegetation helping to minimise
a wildfire, and produce good local produce. Lambing is going well early mornings late
nights and a lot of coffee and chocolate. Then despair, foxes moving in on our field with
ewes producing twins. My poor ewes couldn't protect their first-born lamb while giving birth
to their second. We all accept a certain amount of predation. The corvids and foxes. But
everything needs to be managed. Evolution and man have removed top predators. Where
does the responsibility lie. Food production and food security is needed for the ever-
increasing population of man. We have a duty to get the balance of working with the
environment to protect and understand all the ecosystems. And not be greedy! And protect
the needy!
