In association with VOICE OF A FARMER
Buckling down for winter
by James Cossins, a fifth generation farmer in the Tarrant Valley.
Rolling winter-sown wheat at Rawston Farm in the early 1970’s Image: James Cossins (James - why does this tractor look like some tank tracks were bolted onto a Landrover? Ed)
October was a good month for farmers but there’s important work to be done for next year - and our children’s future, argues James Cossins. The autumn planting programme has progressed well in October with some clement weather in the middle of the month. Maize harvesting has also been completed with a wheat crop to be sown as soon as conditions allow. Our cattle are gradually being brought into their winter quarters which will mean extra work for us but at least, at the moment, we have a plentiful supply of winter feed and straw. A few of our cattle will be outwintered on forage crops, straw and baled silage on fields which are free-draining and have hedges for shelter. Let’s hope the winter is not too severe! Rocketing fuel costs One of the major topics in the news has been the rapid price increase in the cost of fuel especially gas. The knock-on effect to farmers and growers that use inorganic fertiliser made from gas is that not only is it in short supply but it’s now at record price levels. Many growers may think it is not economical to apply the
fertiliser or may reduce the There are many phrases being amount applied which will lead bandied about at the moment; to lower yields. net zero, sustainability, carbon We purchased some at £250capture, natural capital, £300 per ton in the summer and regenerative farming and it is now being sequestration to name a “We purchased quoted at £600few. £700 per ton. some at £250- Agriculture can play its We do have £300 per ton in part in trying to correct some in the perceived problem, the summer and but we need guidance store from it is now being from the government the forward buying, but not quoted at £600- and scientists - of a enough to see £700 per ton” practical and workable us through next nature - to achieve the year. We will have to calculate magical net zero. the economics of how much to The National Farmers Union has apply compared to the loss in pledged to achieve this by 2040. yield. We need incentives and joinedWith prices of oilseeds and up thinking now in order to start wheat looking good for next the process. year it could be difficult Our milk purchaser Arla has calculation to make. Being a already set up a climate check mixed farm we do produce a lot programme which we are all of farmyard manure which we involved with, which measures use as fertiliser on the spring the efficiency of the farm and sown crops but we will still need identifies where improvements to buy some in. can be made. Without engagement from all We need leadership countries, especially the large Another hot topic talked about developed ones, what we do in daily in the news is the debate this country will have a relatively on Climate Change. minor effect on climate change. 39
