From LEAF Farmer Duncan Farrington
July Newsletter
July is here
and the count down to harvest is now only a few short weeks away. Since last writing we have had some much needed rain in June to help the crops on their way, whilst it has not been quite enough, it’s better than some of the torrential rains some have experienced around the country.
The grain stores have been thoroughly cleaned, the combine been given the once over, and all the other bits of equipment needed over the next three months are hopefully ready for the off. During June we visited the main agricultural trade show in the country to look at the latest ideas in arable farming, talk to the experts in their field, and generally catch up with friends and colleagues. The whole of the agricultural supply industry decamped to a field in Cambridgeshire for this two day extravaganza, with an instant tented small town. Good old fashioned, simple hospitality is the name of the game; as the best way to a farmer’s wallet is through their stomach, with plenty of tea, pork roles, beer and strawberries on offer from the companies we do business with. It is a great day out for all concerned. Whilst much of the British economy is struggling, agriculture is part of the biggest manufacturing industry in the country, with the cereal sector alone worth over £5.6bn when you include processing, and 25% of that being exported. So I am sure plenty of people were keen to do some good business. It even rained while we were there, which put a smile on everyone’s face.
Amongst the things we looked at, were the latest developments in wheat and rapeseed varieties we may wish to grow for next year, and the potential of installing a biomass boiler to heat the buildings on the farm. This is something that will require further number crunching over the winter months, but if it is viable, would be a great use of waste grains and by-product from Farrington Oils replacing heating oil that is currently used.
I continue to be busy with Farrington Oils, visiting customers around the country to hold tastings in their shops of our latest dressings and mayonnaise which have been selling really well in the summer weather. There must now be over thirty different brands of cold pressed rapeseed oil on the market, and whilst this may cause some stiff competition from some, if it helps raise the profile of the whole sector and get more people interested in what we are doing, I am proud to be part of it.
Just before harvest starts, we are looking forward to a few days away on holiday. This year we will be going north to Scotland. Eli is not getting too exited about glorious sunshine, whilst I am a bit more optimistic that we could have some fantastic sunshine, a great week of relaxing with the family, a good bit of fresh air, spectacular scenery, and some catching up with old friends. In addition it looks like we are also going to the Swine Flu hot spot of Britain, not necessarily top of the list when planning our holiday destination, but will no doubt be something to talk about never the less.
