Back British Farming Charter

British food supplies would run out on 14th August if all the food produced in Britain in a year was stored and eaten from 1st January onwards.

But our farmers are determined to reverse this trend and produce enough food for the needs of generations to come - but we need politicians, supermarkets, retailers, food processors, restaurants and cafes to play their part to let them do their job.

The National Farmers' Union have created a charter calling for a commitment to put British farming at the heart of the challenge of feeding us all in the future.

Sign the Back British Farming Charter and show your support!

The Madness of The Stour

The Stour Valley has not been very quiet for the past few days.  The replacement of portage points on the River Stour has kept the valley ringing with the sound of pile driving, or 'Wiston fracking', and we've all been driven a little bit mad.

To share this momentous occasion - and what can only be the arrival of the QE2, the portage points are so big, we bring you a brief history of pile driving in the valley.  Are you sitting comfortably?  Then you're not in the Stour Valley...earplugs in, and I'll begin.

Sadly, not a bowler hat and cane, or non-fluorescent waistcoat to be seen today. Standards are slipping.

All Creatures Great and Small III: No Bug Left Behind

We take a break from harvest news to appreciate a little green friend.Farmers sometimes get bashed for not caring about the environment.  If you ever hear such a discussion, suggest a trip to Lower Dairy Farm to meet Farmer Humph...I bring you: "Conversations from the Combine"

Me [talking through dust mask]: "Why have we stopped?  Is something wrong??"

Farmer Humph: "I'm rescuing a ladybird."

All Creatures Great and Small are loved here on the farm.  I expect a bug escape ladder to be in place by the morning.

Stour Valley - Harvest 2013

Meet Gorgeous George(ina)

 The only chick to hatch under our bossy broody hen, but enough cuteness for a dozen!

Rain and roses

A sprinkling of rain and the pasture is green again.  The cows are happy, and we are enjoying the opportunity to hide indoors between showers.  This week, Dad even managed to successfully dodge the showers in an early morning dash to the grain trader, clearing the bins in preparation for the return of the Mercator...watch this space.

And, horror of horrors, that was his second outing in a week!  Farmer Humph's Day Release also included a little contracting next to Cants' Rose Fields. Definitely trading up.  I enjoyed the opportunity to visit and celebrate in colourful style the start of harvest support season, with trips to Colchester's finest at the Hythe:  Ray at Does, and Industrial Bearings.  Whilst others are sunning themselves on holiday, we spend time reconnecting with Colchester's bypasses.  Interesting fact: the Industrial Bearings building was opened by the most famous bearing enthusiast of all, Sir Bobby Moore.

Fortunately for Dad, the mass of roses reminded him to order flowers to celebrate 35 years of wedded agricultural bliss.  And so today, we travel down memory lane to prove that all farmers have agriculturally themed wedding cakes...Congratulations Mum and Dad!  We're very proud of you.

Sunset by the Stour

 

Big Butterfly Count

It is nearly August and this weekend, we're taking part in the:

 http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

It is not just big, it is the world's BIGGEST survey of butterflies!  And, an easy and fun way to learn more about butterflies.

All you have to do is find a spot of bright, preferably sunny weather, choose a place (records are welcome from anywhere) and spot butterflies and moths for 15 minutes.  Make a note of the species you see on the easy ID chart (downloaded here) -  there's even a smartphone app for those who can be trusted with modern technology.  Report your results online and see what else has been spotted in your area.

15,906 counts have been completed so far, so sit back, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the scenery with your butterfly counterparts!

http://www.bigbutterflycount.org

To whet your appetite, here are a few butterflies we've spotted out and about this week:

Just be aware, they may stick their tongue out at you...http://www.bigbutterflycount.org