Farmer Focus: Marking a year since the loss of a loved one

We finished sowing a week ago with the drill practically pushing the potato harvester out of the last field. We started at the end of August, so it seems we have been sowing for a very long time.

However, in saying that, everything has gone into the ground in great conditions with most crops germinating quickly in warm soils and looking promising.

See also: How grower plans to store 5,000t of potato in tough season

About the author

Neil MacLeod

Neil MacLeod manages 1,600ha of mixed soils on the east coast of Angus, Scotland. The majority of the land is in arable production with diversified enterprises consisting of soft fruit, sitka spruce, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy.

Read more articles by Neil MacLeod

What we need now is a significant cold snap to put the brakes on things as the winter barley on light land is looking hungry and some of our heavier more open soils are experiencing slug activity.

In addition to our arable crops, we have planted more than a million Sitka, Norway and Scots pine seedlings after securing a new contract and future for this enterprise.

So, for now, the wash-bay is very busy with machinery queued up waiting for their end-of-season clean, before being oiled up and brought inside for storage.

We are fortunate to employ a very able mechanic and fabricator as part of our team, so I feel more relaxed about running equipment for longer – even when age-related breakdowns can be infuriating and funnily enough always happen when the weather is set to break.

It’s always cheaper to maintain and repair what you own, rather than replacing with new. Smart and tidy machinery, regardless of age tends to be looked after better by the operator. 

When it comes to recruiting new staff, which we are currently in the process of doing, being able to show off the fleet in a clean, dry and tidy environment is a good advert for how we like to do things in our business.

With autumn work at an end and the occasional frost signalling the onset of winter, this time of year is always one for reflection.

For me, it will also mark the first anniversary of my wife Catherine losing her battle with cancer.

In that time the support from my colleagues, employer and both the local and wider agricultural community has been immeasurable and at times very humbling. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me and my boys along the way.

Catherine’s memorial fund is raising money for the Breast Cancer Now charity, which has so far raised £43,000 (including gift aid).