The Peasant’s Reflections The Covid 19 virus seems to be going to be around for some period yet. In nature the virus is very similar to the one that caused Myxomatosis in rabbits and our human way of defeating that virus is to allow all the rabbits to catch it and ninety nine % of them die. Obviously that can’t be allowed in the human race so we have other means of stopping the disease from spreading, by isolation and keeping social distancing. But as recent events have shown, this is not enough and the disease takes every opportunity to show that it is still around. This may be hard on people who have booked a holiday abroad but isolation and social distancing are the only way that the virus will be kept at bay. If we go back to our old ways then we will have failed. Life will never be the same again. Every holiday in Turkey or Spain or anywhere else that involves a flight in a plane with four hundred other people is going to put us at risk. I feel sorry for the people under fifty who have been accustomed from day one to go anywhere anytime, who now won’t be able to. On the farming front, life is not very good. One dairy supply firm that dealt with fresh milk for coffee houses has gone bust and a lot of others are struggling. This is going to make life even more difficult for the dairy farmer. And corn is no better. Barley is not worth growing due to the price of seed corn and the slow up in demand from beef and pork producers – from vegetarianism in the meat side. Those of us who were fortunate enough to get winter wheat planted in last year’s rain will do quite well but they are already putting off the day when they will be subject to the normal rules of supply and demand.
The harvest this year is difficult due to the days getting shorter and less opportunity to get a lot done in the day, especially when it is wet. I wish I could be more optimistic about the future but I can’t. I am afraid I may be proved to be probably right. Boris Johnson has done very well in protecting our fishermen from the Russians and the EU, but at what price to support for the British farmers. I am glad that I have lived through the best years; ploughing what you liked, re-seeding what you wanted, milking as many cows as you felt inclined and no rules and no worry about sprays passing to the oceans. Just a good life. Ben Barton Editor’s note: Ben was in chatty form when I went to take dictation this week, even if rather pessimistic over Covid. He is trying to have more physiotherapy to help his back and hip joints. Ideally he would like to find a therapist who can visit him. Does anyone know of one? While he is not optimistic about regaining use of his right arm, he feels continued physio on his right leg would help with mobility.
Answers to the September 2020 Wild Mammals Picture Quiz Well done those who let me know they had completed this, and/or asked for hints! As promised, here are the answers to the September 2020 British mammals picture quiz. A. Weasel; B. Roe deer; C. Dormouse; D. Brown hare; E. Otter; F. Grey seal; G. Wild cat; H. Hedgehog; I. Badger; J. Mole; K. Long-eared bat; L. Bottle-nosed dolphin. Maximum 12 points possible. Congratulations and prizes to everyone.
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