Archive Article: 2001/06/01
Kevin Littleboy
Kevin Littleboy farms 243ha
(600 acres) as Howe
Estates at Howe, Thirsk, N
Yorks. The medium sandy
loam in the Vale of York
supports potatoes, winter
wheat, rape and barley, plus
grass for sheep
ELECTION fever certainly hasnt gripped and enthralled me. In fact, I was bored of it after day one.
Politicians wonder why there is total apathy among the population, especially younger generations. They should sit down and watch their televised performances. I predict a very low turnout. The highlight so far is the new way to woo voters, punch them! To vent your frustration with the election I suggest visiting www.panlogic.co.uk/splat_the_MP.html .
The importance of agriculture to the UK is shown by politicians talk of integrating MAFF into the DETR and calling it the Department of Rural Affairs. With that in mind, it is high time all arable farmers started discussing their future. Countless minor pressure groups are already suggesting policies. Farmers views will play second fiddle to these minority interests unless we move now. Maintaining the status quo or other ostrich-like behaviour is not an option.
Thanks to hard work from my men all the potatoes are planted. We finished on the same date as last year but then it was due to 180mm (7in) of rain mid-way through. This year we simply started very late. My men "forcibly" suggested that a Reekie bed-tiller was an essential item of machinery if we were to make anything of the sad, wet soil. I succumbed, bought the machine and, as usual, they were proved right.
Am I the only farmer that the Post Office delivered a letter to that was sent by MAFF in London, supposedly dated May 8?
It very kindly informed me how to fill in my IACS form given the problems this year and warning me of dire consequences if it wasnt submitted by May 15. The letter arrived on Friday, May 18.
A northern contractor friend of mine was out spraying sugar beet when a complaint was made that the spray was killing hundreds of seagulls. Fortunately, before he was set upon by a hoard of clipboard waving officials, it came to light that the stricken seagulls were, in fact, his foam blob markers. Welcome to the silly season. *
Potatoes are all planted at Howe Estate, thanks to the mens insistence that a bed-tiller was needed, says Kevin Littleboy.