Farm on the M62: Always at mercy of the weather - Jill Thorp
Whilst we’ve been blessed with some good weather for lambing time, it has not been without it’s challenges. With Scotland recording a massive twenty seven degree shift in a single day, these huge swings from night-time to daytime have taken their toll. Severe temperature fluctuations can prove to be disastrous for livestock with the dreaded pneumonia showing signs in both our cattle and sheep sheds. Heads down and rapid, shallow breathing a clear indicator that we’ve got a problem, one which sadly can’t always be fixed. Farmers are always at the mercy of the weather, our entire lives revolve around forecasts and the barometer hanging on the wall. My Grandpa had one in his house and every morning he would give it a gentle tap as though to wake it up. He would then quietly and methodically add notes to his weather charts, that he kept for the best part of his life. They are a far cry from what we see today and as with everything we must adapt to cope with our changing climate.
Heads down and rapid, shallow breathing a clear indicator that we’ve got a problem, one which sadly can’t always be fixed. Farmers are always at the mercy of the weather, our entire lives revolve around forecasts and the barometer hanging on the wall. My Grandpa had one in his house and every morning he would give it a gentle tap as though to wake it up. He would then quietly and methodically add notes to his weather charts, that he kept for the best part of his life. They are a far cry from what we see today and as with everything we must adapt to cope with our changing climate.
The fires still rage around us, fierce, high intensity and destructive ones that burn down into the peat and smoulder for days on end. It sickens me to see them, knowing what’s out there and what will undoubtedly perish. The lay-bys surrounding our farm remain filled with fire engines and wildfire unit vehicles. Exhausted and frustrated firefighters can be seen trudging out across the moors under a sweltering sun carrying endless, heavy gear. It’s about time their voices were heard too, they should be part of the ongoing and often heated debates about moorland management as it’s their lives that are also put at risk alongside those of the farmers and keepers when another fire takes hold. Paul and I have had some lengthy chats with them over the years and believe me, most of them have some pretty firm and well thought out ideas on the subject!
Attending a speed awareness course smack bang in the middle of lambing time is something Paul could have perhaps managed without. He left the house grumpy, muttering unrepeatable protestations to himself. He spends many long hours on the road especially during the winter months and unfortunately he’s been caught out. The odd mile or two over the limit, no pretence of being the next starring role in the Fast and Furious franchise, but speeding nevertheless. During the brief refreshment break they were allowed, he nodded off. It wasn’t just a cat nap, but a deep, exhausted sleep that apparently he took some rousing from. Eventually the chap he was sat next to managed to bring him round from his slumber, amidst much laughter from the rest of the room. The lady running the course found it far from funny, however, and after a stern telling off which took Paul back to his school days, he managed to stay awake for the rest of the lecture.
The Leicester ewes and lambs are enjoying the sunshine and lush green grass after several months of shed life. It’s good to see them outside thriving after a long wet winter of worry and work. Next stop will be selecting our show team and enjoying and supporting our superb agricultural shows.