Archive Article: 2000/12/08
Andrew Keeler
Andrew Keeler farms with
his parents at Church Farm,
Aylsham, Norfolk. Sugar
beet, potatoes, winter
wheat and premium malting
barley are grown on the
32ha (80 acre) farm
DEAR Santa, for Christmas I would like some dry weather, better prices for our produce and a government that takes farming seriously.
We have had to take every opportunity to lift sugar beet in recent weeks. One attempt lead to a broken shaft which took seven days to replace but no days were lost because we had yet more rain. When we have been able to get on an acceptable sample has been lifted. Five more loads delivered to the factory had dirt tares that we can live with and sugar content has remained at 17.1%. We have delivered 180t out of our 264t quota and still have about 45% left to harvest. A larger four-wheel drive tractor has been hired to help us clear it.
On the subject of sugar beet, what are the EU and all their member governments playing at? I agree that we should help underdeveloped countries, but not to the detriment of our and other member countries industries. If things go on like this, we could end up with the tables turned!
On advice we have sold 40t of wheat for December and 40t for January movement, at an average of £60/t. That leaves 30t to sell later. Time will tell if this was the right move. Bagging potatoes is keeping us busy two mornings a week with 8t/week moving to our local wholesaler. Last week the price improved to £90/t, much better than last year and with none of the soft rot problems we suffered then.
Our rat bait bill has been rising, with £50 spent on two tubs in October alone, yet we do not seem to be getting on top of the problem. So we have contracted in Rodent Services East Anglian. At £250/year, including bait and boxes, it seems good value and they certainly did a thorough job on their first visit.
Finally, as we are into December, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. *
Andrew Keeler has been selling grain and reviewing vermin control at Church Farm, Aylsham.