Will Howe fears the consequences of the continuing drought

A group of wise men and women have now verified what most of us in the east and south have known since last spring; we are in a drought. I am sure some complex mathematical equations are involved for politicians to come out with such a bold proclamation, but it is only a word.

This word, a little like the other buzz word at the present time, recession, have the potential to cause dire consequences for their related industries.

Fortunately all the relevant parties/lobby groups were present at the round table gathering which will, hopefully, lead to a balanced set of measures to be implemented if the situation calls for it. With all the cast of The Wind in the Willows getting such vocal representation from the environmental crusaders, the public are unaware of the possible implication on food prices.

I am too young to remember the drought of 1976, but I am told by some local potato barons that at today’s prices, irrigated potatoes were realising well over £1,000/t. This allowed more land to be bought and farms be re-equipped, but next year it may only be a banker formerly known as “Sir Fred” who will be able to afford chips with his fish supper.

With the land being so dry, I have a real urge to get on with some fieldwork and it is taking all of my self-restraint to not go top dressing. With the oilseed rape looking so forward, and the wheat plenty thick enough, the concern is getting too much vegetative growth.

Despite the dry weather warning, the natural inclination is that the weather must at sometime try and redress the balance of rain which means there will be a wet period. So perhaps I might just go and fertilise the least forward fields!

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