Justin Blackwood
Justin Blackwood
Justin Blackwood farms
562ha (1389 acres) from
Grange Farm, Great
Brington, Northants, on a
range of farming
agreements. Cropping
hinges around winter wheat,
plus winter barley, rape,
peas, oats and occasionally
linseed
CLEAR blue skies, temperatures up to 35C (95F), and little or no rain in some areas for months. Definitely not Northants in Nov.
Three friends and I are travelling over-land across Europe, through Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the burning sands of the Sinai desert, on our way to Cape Town. We have reached Nairobi and here the conditions have turned a bit more like those at home I suspect.
The roads, already badly affected by the El Niño rains in early 1998, are deteriorating further and demanding daily changes to our route. The depth of pot-holes in the UK is measured in inches. Here, they measure them in feet.
While crop walking in the Nakuru game park, my progress was halted by heavy breathing in the undergrowth. Further investigation revealed the rare crop disease rhynco-rhinoceros. Protectant rather than curative activity is preferable, and I recommended a rapid retreat!
For the trip, we are driving a new Toyota Landcruiser Amazon VX, with active suspension and nine cup holders for our G&Ts. It takes everything in its stylish stride, from motorway and rocky mountain passes, to muddy and rutted African dirt tracks. However, under heavy loads our vehicles suspension system is not functioning consistently, and there is a risk of spilling the drinks. Toyota is giving it some urgent attention.
Back at Grange Farm, we still have 113ha (280 acres) of winter wheat to plant, 28ha (70 acres) of which is durum. In addition 36ha (90 acres) of winter peas need planting.
I intend to follow a farming motto which has often stood me in good stead. "If it doesnt feel or look right, then dont do it." This means we will not force drilling under poor seedbed conditions. If necessary durum wheat and winter peas can be spring drilled and winter wheat seed kept for autumn 99. Spring wheat would be drilled in its place. I cant wait to get back…