Gordon Brown seems to be backing farmers.
“Their actions live out our shared understanding that our countryside is more than the space that surrounds – it is the oxygen for the towns and cities.”
“And in order to be the country we should be, Britain must protect and cherish, not just our cities, but our countryside too,” Mr Brown said.
I’m delighted. No, really, I am. But…
…let’s face it; we (farmers) are an endangered species. Not much liked by the general public who believe we are money sucking sponges without heart or soul. And certainly not numerous enough to have political clout.
Mr Brown’s sentiments?
The kiss of life for British agriculture or the conscience of the country for an industry in its death throws?
This speech comes as yet another herd of cattle were killed today at a farm in Englefield Green, near Egham in Surrey on suspicion of foot-and-mouth and have now tested positive for the disease.
Separately, a suspected foot-and-mouth case is being checked in Hampshire.
Also government vets have found bluetongue disease in a second cow on a Suffolk farm. From what I gather this was found in another Highland cow at the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, where the first case was diagnosed.
And…
‘Farm to farm movements will be allowed in low risk areas (us, at the moment) from 3.30pm tomorrow, 25 September subject to strict cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles, compliance with existing ID and movement rules. A signed self-declaration confirming the above and that the animals are free from signs of disease will also be required.’ More specific conditions are to be announced.
Does this mean I will now be able to move my sold animals to a farm in north Dorset next door to Hampshire?
A day of undulating rainbows.
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September 25, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Mopsa
Thank goodness - just heard that the two farms in Hampshire have had their temporary surveillance notices lifted - all clear outside Surrey, for now.
September 25, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Jane
I was surprised by your comment “Not much liked by the general public who believe we are money sucking sponges without heart or soul”. Although this may be the opinion of some, I’m not convinced it’s the majority view. I was always taught by my parents that our countryside is only the way it is because of farming, and to preserve our countryside we absolutely “need” farming in the UK to continue. I’ve lived through the healthy return of buzzards & otters, and witnessed the return of many wild flowers and insects. Without farming (and new farming practises) these would not have returned. What I am worried about is farmers being driven out of business and turning their land over to developers… and precious habitats being lost forever. Sorry for the “rant”… feel a bit passionate about this subject!
September 25, 2007 at 9:20 pm
critterkeeper
If there were no farmers there would be no farms, no farms would mean no English countryside.
Farmers have my vote all the way.
September 26, 2007 at 7:33 pm
paula
Yes, that’s a great relief isn’t it, Mopsa.
Unfortunately another temporary zone has been set up in Berkshire, hopefully this will prove clear. And another case of Bluetounge has been diagnosed, see below:
‘This is on a premises near Lowestoft. At this stage, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of Bluetongue by the internationally-recognised definition. It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad. Epidemiological investigations are underway to establish whether bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK’
Update - there’s now a fourth case. Hopefully the slightly colder weather will help.
September 26, 2007 at 8:20 pm
paula
I agree with your feelings about farming and the countryside and love your passion, drive and knowledge for things you care about.
Wish they were all like you, Jane, but I honestly don’t believe they are, not in a vindictive way, but just unaware of rural living and lives. The majority of people in the UK now live in towns/cities and have little perception about the countryside, food production, farmers and what affects us/it, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to know. It’s one of the reasons the CPRE approached me about starting this blog.
Hopefully you’ll win your war on developers and save your precious and unique piece of countryside. I really hope so.
September 26, 2007 at 8:24 pm
paula
Hear, hear critterkeeper. Up the farmers - and good on you! Thank you…
September 26, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Jane
Unfortunately I am one of whose “townies”, born and brought up next to the North Circular Road in London. Luckily for me my parents made sure I understood where my food came from (and I don’t just mean Tesco’s!). Yes there are a lot of people ignorant of what affects the countryside, but I’m convinced that the tide is turning… Recently I had to spend 6 weeks in Battersea. Whilst there I visited more farmers markets than I ever have in Dorset! Sadly, we probably won’t stop the developers from tearing up our fields, but maybe we can get a few Councils to sit up and take notice and try not to make so many mistakes in the future.
September 27, 2007 at 10:47 pm
paula
I’m glad you feel the tide’s turning Jane, and I hope with all my heart you’re right.
I was brought up in towns and cities too - but those of the Far East, and I had a penchant for making my room home to every kind of living creature - much to my mother’s horror!
What you say about your parents’ teaching you the importance of food and farming just shows how vital this kind of education is for our children which is, I think, being realised more and more.
Probably not making much sense as I’m falling asleep on my feet - hard day. Sheep dieing of ‘gid’ (a cyst formed in the brain by a tapeworm), broken car and family to collect from station and airport. Wonderful to have them all arriving home!