Ian Pigott

21 December 2001




Ian Pigott

Ian Pigott farms 690ha

(1700 acres) of owned,

rented, share-farmed and

contract-farmed land in

partnership with his father

from Thrales End,

Harpenden, Herts. Wheat,

oilseed rape, spring barley,

beans and peas are the main

crops on the flinty,

medium clay soils

PUTTING the farm to bed for Christmas is a chance to take a positive look forward as well as reminiscing a little about the year that has just been.

Last season was unsatisfying in more ways than one. We spent most of it playing catch-up, with the result that crops were second rate and unrewarding both to the eye and the bank balance.

A year on and the crops flatter in comparison. Our spraying is up to date, fertiliser has been applied to oilseed rape and beans are ploughed in. I do not want to get too carried away, but in keeping with the Yuletide spirit I am going into 2002 optimistic of better things.

Recent fine weather has allowed us to get on with our Countryside Stewardship obligations. We borrowed a farm modified hedge planter from a neighbour and made relatively light work of a back-aching task. The following day 10 local volunteers, under the watchful eye of the county countryside management agency, applied canes and spirals to the newly planted hedges.

I am still concerned at the inconsistency of establishment in the 6m grass margins, but our agronomist has assured me that there is no cause for concern yet.

With the farm quiet we are spending time titivating other parts of the business, tidying up the horse livery yard, preparing for a software overhaul in the office and trying to lay those tired patches of concrete before the price goes up in January.

Having been accused of being very dour of late, I would like to point out the good points of 2001 – we spent less on steel; our pesticide bill came down a tad; UK on-farm grain and oilseed prices are about 15% higher than 12 months ago; our new combine went through the entire harvest without a breakdown; my dog is now house trained; and the vast majority of people in the industry with whom we do business are still fun to work with.

Merry Christmas. &#42

Field work is up to date at Thrales End and Countryside Stewardship work underway, says Ian Pigott.


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