Happy cows but maize reluctant to ripen
Come the first of November my dairy cows and the blessed maize crop are still in the fields, writes Sally Yates.
By now our cows have normally been snugly housed for a fortnight or so. However, conditions have remained dry and warm enough for them to stay outside.
There is some grass though it is more of a habit than nutritious. What is more the cows are happy, they never show any thanks for having to stay inside as milk production always drops. The fortnight we have gained with less daily work involved, will be the only advantage as the price has stopped falling at 19 pence a litre. There is more talk of who is going to be the coach of England's beleaguered rugby team than any much needed increase particularly now that the cows are on full winter rations. Like the rugby our dairy sector can no longer continue to be a loser.
My New Zealand friends will be happy as Spring arrives for them and their cows start off another milk cycle. A nation of only five million rule the rugby world and are just as influential in the global milk business.
Another attack on our food, this time the red meat industry, does little for farming morale at a time when we could do with good news. Of course the media goes over the top, the immediate impression was given that we are all going to get bowel cancer by eating processed meat such as sausages, burgers, etc but then belatedly we were told that vegetarians are just as likely to be affected. A little of what you enjoy is my motto otherwise life would be such a misery. It is time someone pointed out the merits of a wholesome diet but perhaps I am old fashioned in thinking that meat and two veg are my champions.
Judging by the number of huge poultry sheds being built everyone bar yours truly will be eating chicken in the future.
Being traditional, we gather as many family round the table on a Sunday as possible. The choice this week was the seasonal pheasant. I would have preferred wild duck but then beggars can't be choosers! Before some bright 'erb says that it is ok for him living off the fat of the land, anyone can buy a pheasant in its feathers for £1.50 which will provide at least two meals.
By now I very much hope that our maize as been cut as we, like many others have lost patience with a crop which has been reluctant to ripen. Normally we expect to rush in with the plough and sow winter wheat but that requires some drying weather which at this time of year with November fog can be a problem.
