Farming is full of its ups and downs. This week we had a serious down. Having mentioned previously our Sussex yearling’s determination to eat anything but the herbal ley, I failed to anticipate the possible consequences following what has been over the past few weeks, the most amount of rain we have had all summer.
The effect on the herbal ley has been marked. The crop became lush, the clover, and some of the herbs which have largely remained fairly dormant have grown more vigorously and clearly became more palatable.
Early on Thursday morning I found one of these beautiful Sussex steers dead, clearly bloated. Over the previous twelve hours he must have overindulged, become bloated in his abdomen which if not treated swiftly leads to rapid death; an utter tragedy. It shows how quickly circumstances can change; another example where timing and the weather play a significant role.
Farming, whether it’s the crops or livestock are pretty much reliant on both, and of course the farmer who in this case took her eye off the ball. I thought I had done my research on herbal leys, but I didn’t see that one coming down the line.
We have now changed their routine by restricting access to the crop and introduced hay into their diet. Another painful lesson learnt - RIP UK400808.
I wonder if anyone noticed the average age of the farmers who drove their tractors into London and other cities protesting against Rachel Reeves’ decision to ensure small family farms, many of which have been farmed by the same family for generations, which will probably not survive this change in policy.
Farmers are very professional, highly educated and experienced and deeply worried about their futures. They were not all, as we are repeatedly told, about the average age of ‘famers’ in the UK all over 60. Those young farmers who went to protest are the most passionate and vocal and continue to defend their chosen profession. Yes, they may not yet actually own the land they are actively farming but all are ready to take on that responsibility to manage, when the time comes.
Unlike most professions, farmers tend not to retire, we carry on doing what we have always done, perhaps a bit slower! We encourage and pass on invaluable information and knowledge whilst encouraging the younger generations to take over, embrace change, innovate and plan their futures as they appreciate the complex and challenging nature of farming businesses.
Those of us in the upper age range, don’t retire from active farming. Our plan is to slip away in due course whilst out checking our livestock, in our wellies and with our loyal dogs at our side.
Behind the dodgy statistics so enthusiastically spouted by left-wing academics and politicians so keen to unpick the very glue which holds our rural communities and traditional family farms together, is an agenda. We can clearly see that this government which is speeding up this process as if on steroids, is planning our demise through land nationalisation by the back door.
They choose not to understand that family farms with their intergenerational workforce and deep knowledge of their land, flora, and fauna, sometimes going back centuries but certainly generations, understand how important sustainable British food production is whilst caring for the environment. We cut the hedges, dig out the ditches, clear water courses and manage our ancient woodland. We also really care and appreciate the soil we farm. Not something which mega corporate farming takes on board.
So, look around you, see the many ‘young’ farmers in your area. They range from late teens to mid to late forties and then if you must, call them middle aged. Those who watch Clarkson’s Farm will note the most capable, efficient, and active on the team are Kaleb (27) and Harriet (24). Most family farms have their equivalent, a fact which should be acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated.
Last week saw the final campaign with the four candidates competing to become the conservative candidate for next year’s Mayor of Sussex election making their case. Having attended the hustings at West Hove golf course last Tuesday and seen and heard from each, it is perfectly clear that Tim Loughton stands out as the only one who would have a chance of winning against the other parties in May 2026.
Sally-Ann Hart has enthusiasm but limited experience having been an MP for just five years. Paul Marshall was charming but lacked confidence and was clearly out of his depth. Katy Bourne as ever talks the talk but her record as Police and Crime Commissioner, her over confidence in her ability and popularity, do not stand up to scrutiny.
Sussex needs a strong, experienced, capable Mayor. The role which will lead the newly created single strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton is huge and wide ranging. Tim Loughton’s 27 years as MP for the marginal West Sussex seat of East Worthing & Shoreham, during which he held ministerial posts, was a front bench spokesman and dealt with national matters and government departments, puts him head and shoulders above the others. None of whom I believe would stand a chance of being elected as mayor next year.
If you are a member of the conservative party, care about our county and have yet to vote, the poll remains open until July 30th. .Tim Loughton will be a safe pair of hands. He was born in Eastbourne, grew up in Alfriston and went to school in Lewes, he is all about Sussex and the people of Sussex.
The effect on the herbal ley has been marked. The crop became lush, the clover, and some of the herbs which have largely remained fairly dormant have grown more vigorously and clearly became more palatable.
Early on Thursday morning I found one of these beautiful Sussex steers dead, clearly bloated. Over the previous twelve hours he must have overindulged, become bloated in his abdomen which if not treated swiftly leads to rapid death; an utter tragedy. It shows how quickly circumstances can change; another example where timing and the weather play a significant role.
Farming, whether it’s the crops or livestock are pretty much reliant on both, and of course the farmer who in this case took her eye off the ball. I thought I had done my research on herbal leys, but I didn’t see that one coming down the line.
We have now changed their routine by restricting access to the crop and introduced hay into their diet. Another painful lesson learnt - RIP UK400808.
I wonder if anyone noticed the average age of the farmers who drove their tractors into London and other cities protesting against Rachel Reeves’ decision to ensure small family farms, many of which have been farmed by the same family for generations, which will probably not survive this change in policy.
Farmers are very professional, highly educated and experienced and deeply worried about their futures. They were not all, as we are repeatedly told, about the average age of ‘famers’ in the UK all over 60. Those young farmers who went to protest are the most passionate and vocal and continue to defend their chosen profession. Yes, they may not yet actually own the land they are actively farming but all are ready to take on that responsibility to manage, when the time comes.
Unlike most professions, farmers tend not to retire, we carry on doing what we have always done, perhaps a bit slower! We encourage and pass on invaluable information and knowledge whilst encouraging the younger generations to take over, embrace change, innovate and plan their futures as they appreciate the complex and challenging nature of farming businesses.
Those of us in the upper age range, don’t retire from active farming. Our plan is to slip away in due course whilst out checking our livestock, in our wellies and with our loyal dogs at our side.
Behind the dodgy statistics so enthusiastically spouted by left-wing academics and politicians so keen to unpick the very glue which holds our rural communities and traditional family farms together, is an agenda. We can clearly see that this government which is speeding up this process as if on steroids, is planning our demise through land nationalisation by the back door.
They choose not to understand that family farms with their intergenerational workforce and deep knowledge of their land, flora, and fauna, sometimes going back centuries but certainly generations, understand how important sustainable British food production is whilst caring for the environment. We cut the hedges, dig out the ditches, clear water courses and manage our ancient woodland. We also really care and appreciate the soil we farm. Not something which mega corporate farming takes on board.
So, look around you, see the many ‘young’ farmers in your area. They range from late teens to mid to late forties and then if you must, call them middle aged. Those who watch Clarkson’s Farm will note the most capable, efficient, and active on the team are Kaleb (27) and Harriet (24). Most family farms have their equivalent, a fact which should be acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated.
Last week saw the final campaign with the four candidates competing to become the conservative candidate for next year’s Mayor of Sussex election making their case. Having attended the hustings at West Hove golf course last Tuesday and seen and heard from each, it is perfectly clear that Tim Loughton stands out as the only one who would have a chance of winning against the other parties in May 2026.
Sally-Ann Hart has enthusiasm but limited experience having been an MP for just five years. Paul Marshall was charming but lacked confidence and was clearly out of his depth. Katy Bourne as ever talks the talk but her record as Police and Crime Commissioner, her over confidence in her ability and popularity, do not stand up to scrutiny.
Sussex needs a strong, experienced, capable Mayor. The role which will lead the newly created single strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton is huge and wide ranging. Tim Loughton’s 27 years as MP for the marginal West Sussex seat of East Worthing & Shoreham, during which he held ministerial posts, was a front bench spokesman and dealt with national matters and government departments, puts him head and shoulders above the others. None of whom I believe would stand a chance of being elected as mayor next year.
If you are a member of the conservative party, care about our county and have yet to vote, the poll remains open until July 30th. .Tim Loughton will be a safe pair of hands. He was born in Eastbourne, grew up in Alfriston and went to school in Lewes, he is all about Sussex and the people of Sussex.
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