Cheerleading...

Influences.

Of late, I’ve had more than a few causes, to pause, and consider, how so many and various people met along the way have shaped and directed the course of a life.

It might be a very fleeting encounter, or only a conversation, that can send one off on a different path of thinking. 

Or give a fresh perspective.

Proper job - mower looking much shinier now, and continuing to make speedy work of munching up vegetation prior to reincorporation.

This afternoon I chugged up the road to collect the flail mower from Ace Mechanic Jon.

 I’d requested that he solidify the top of this handy contraption. So now there is much less chance of crusty shards of rusty steel flinging themselves through the back window of the tractor, and impaling themselves in my cranium.

Jon is a star of epic proportions, on many a front.
Fear not, for his blushes though, or over-inflating ego. There is scant chance he will ever read this.

I don’t know his whole history.

 But as far as I’m aware, he has lived, and worked, fixing tractors, and other farm machinery, in this valley for most of his over seventy years.

Many an imperiled hay crop, or urgent cultivation will have been pulled back from the brink of disaster, by the timely arrival of his mobile workshop. 

He should have retired many years ago. But then what would he do? Get under someones feet?

And more to the point; what would I do?

Being of a particular vintage, Jon doesn’t turn his nose up at the kind of machinery, that I use to run the farmlet here.

Much of it, is of the sort, that can now more usually be found serving as temporary (permanent) hedge repair material in and around the verdant hedgebanks of Devon.

But with a modicum of know how, and some basic tools, most of it can be maintained into a long and useful old age.

One particularly impressive repair was when our hero, upon finding no commercially available replacement part being available, fashioned an internal hydraulic widget from an old hay bob tine. 

I suspect that many a younger mechanic would have sucked his teeth, and condemned the whole mechanism as unfixable.

But one of the best things about Jon, from my point of view, is his attitude to me, and my slightly unconventional agricultural endeavours.

There’s no edge, or suggestion of ‘What is this woman doing, mucking about with this stuff?

   

Even though my maintenance regime does, it has to be admitted, leave a lot to be desired.

Like a lot of up-against-it land workers, I tend to do things on the run. One time the tractors' fuel filter did look like it had been filled up with treacle - oops. maybe i need to write these things on the calendar.

Moreover, stuff rarely breaks when you’re not using it.

But I’ve never been patronised, or made to feel stupid by Jon.

He will quite happily chat about my latest schemes, and dreams. for acquiring or adapting useful kit. He will take the time to explain in comprehensible terms, how things work, or why they aren't working.

 Some might say I get unnecessarily prickly around this issue, but it does get tiresome having assumptions made about ones competency, or knowledge.

On more than one occasion, I’ve had machinery hire companies ask “ What do you want it for?” when asking about the availability of a piece of kit.

Delivery drivers will quite frequently sidle towards the nearest available male in the yard for instructions, even though it clearly indicates a female recipient on the paperwork.

And then there’s the infamous ‘invisible woman’ incident detailed here.

http://broadviewfromasmallfarm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/the-invisible-woman.html

Other women friends have reported similar happenings. It shouldn't matter really, but it does get wearisome having to laugh it off.

Anyway, luckily over the years I’ve encountered a good number of folks who have encouraged me, especially at the outset, when I wasn't sure if I was sure if I was 'allowed' to join in with the wonderful world of mechanisation.. 

A couple of people spring to mind.

At the tender age of nineteen, and having only just embarked on my agricultural career, I was staying at the farm of my then boyfriend.

I’d probably only been driving tractors, for a year or so at that point.

That holdings' old fashioned, and not very capacious cattle byres needed emptying of the dung they'd accumulated over the winter.

There was a tractor and loader, plus a tractor and muck spreader, some tight turning spaces, and quite a lot of trailer reversing to be done.

Ivan (the father) made sure I was conversant with the basic workings of all the kit. Showed me the fields, that needed the FYM* flung upon.

And then...

 Went out for the day, and left me to it….

There was no arm waving, no extra coaching every five minutes, no "Ooo be careful! Mind out!"

On his return, the muck was spread, the buildings were still standing, and all kit was in one piece.

There is so much to be said, for giving confidence, by showing confidence.

Around about the same time, whilst working on a carp farm, some seventeen or so 50 x 20 m fish growing ponds needed constructing.

There was a very large, tracked,, old JCB swing shovel excavator,and a long narrow field.

Whoever was supposed to be doing it, couldn’t. And I was detailed to have a go.

So most of the summer that followed was taken up with peeling back the top soil to make banks.

And subsequently plastering the sides and bottom of the ponds  taken from the thinnish seam of clay beneath, (fiddly bucket work) Followed by crafting the pond bottoms in such a way, that they all drained to one corner for emptying, and fish retrieval - not leaving any divots in which the pesky piscines might hide,

But, at the same time avoiding penetrating the layer of gravel beneath which would have prevented them being watertight.

My favourite part came, when alighting from the cab at the end of a hot, noisy, diesel fumed day… Walking across the smooth cool clayed bottom of the pond in bare feet…

On reflection , it was a bit like doing clay plastering, but on an epic scale.

A local plant operating guy turned up one time to appraise my efforts. – I was a tad nervous, as he wasn’t particularly well known for having a very ‘modern' attitude to women ayyempting this kind of thing.

But he quite cheerfully conceded that “I had a feeling for the machinery”

So all these little bits of encouragement, and many more besides have added up over the years.

 They came to me this idyllic Sunny Spring evening, as I stormed up and down happily mowing last years ryegrass, and clover green manure, in preparation for further cultivations...

Spoiler alert - It'll probably be the discs next...

And I would hope to pass on that same sort of encouragement, in any situation, where someone isn't sure if they'll be capable, of the task in hand.

In my experience it makes a vast difference to whether people will even give things a try.

If someone says to me “Oh I couldn’t, or can’t do that”

My usual response is “ You mean, you can’t do it - yet….”

No one is born knowing how to do any of this stuff, those things that many folks make look so easy.

One of the most dispiriting phrases to my mind is - "I'd like to have a go at {........}  But I'm not the sort of person, who is able do that sort of thing"

Hmm, so who told you that? How do you know? Have you even tried? 

Yes' some of us have a more natural aptitude; for certain things. 

But I reckon at least three quarters of it, is having a go, being willing to fail, a few (or many) times, asking for help, and not allowing yourself to be put off by anyone elses' negative attitudes....

Those narky comments usually say far more about the naysayers personality, then they do about your potential. 

However. I'd still maintain that the most important thing is having people encourage you, and help you believe that you could become competent.

 Or, as some my girlfriends are given to calling it, being supplied with some enthusiastic cheer- leading.

And Trailer Trash Kitty quite naturally spent most of the day on the porch, making some impressive solar gains...
Cats really are the experts when it comes to energy conservation... The epitome of indolence.

* that's Farm Yard Manure - FYI

Wholesome fun....

Absolutely no shortage of bunnage on offer this weekend. And it never fails to amaze; just how much cake arrives; and is subsequently consumed by the assembled. As you can see from the photo; 'Open Day' is an inter-generational epicurean effort. No one needs a second invitation to help themselves.

Great to see so many folks enjoying the victuals on offer; and casting an appreciatory glance about the veg field too.

 Long socks; a frock; and a bunnet were deemed as a 'sensible' garb for a meet and greet day... 

Not that this 'disguise' was used as a tactic of evasion... Well, hardly at all..

The whole event was most like a traditional afternoon tea party; only; in a field.

 However despite my feeble efforts to avoid the subject; there was much heated discussion around the 'European situation'.

There seemed to be general agreement; as to how precarious things have been left, after the 'shock' outcome... But time will tell; and fretting about it won't get anything achieved here... I can always take out my angst on the weeds.... There are just a few left, for the bugs naturally. And a good few tonnes of compost need spreading in the coming days.

Perhaps opportunities for change; will arise from the perceived mess that has been left, by 'our' leaving. Certainly 'the game' has changed; for good or ill.

 Maybe there will come a greater awareness of how things actually are; for so many people; and how improvements could be made with some considered action.

The age old curse " May you live in interesting times" has indeed come to pass.

But that is both the beauty; and the beast; of the future. You seldom know for sure; what is around the next corner; or over the next hill.

Help yourself.... Oh! Fantastic; you already did....
Plus helped a few others too... With the addition of a postal contribution; we raised over £160 for http://practicalaction.org/ 

So it was lovely to have visitors; and to bask replete; in the uncommon sunshine at days end. 

But solo working; or sharing tasks; with a companionable silence; has much to recommend it too.

Monday morning; found me back weeding the kale seedling bed in the company of Girl Monday... Satisfying to look back and see where you've been. But must make more diligent efforts to gather mugs; as I go along.. 

Kale: varieties Moss Green Curled. Cavello Nero, Hungry Gap. Red Russian, and Jagalleo Nero; for winter cutting
Here awaiting transplanting to their final home in the next couple of weeks.

And then further delights in paper form arrive with the post . This is one publication; whose arrival will always find me scuttling away to some quiet corner for a peruse. Even if there are more pressing tasks to hand.

For many a year now; 'The Land' has been a supportive, informative, and entertaining read, for those engaged in what could loosely be termed 'ecological land based occupations'. Or for those interested in such matters.
This is its twentieth issue...

Most of its contributors are; or at least have been; associated with landworking in some way.
It is the 'go to journal' if you want to keep abreast of whats going on on the more outlying fringes of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, especially where those subjects overlap with ecology, organic production, land rights,  both national and international. and social justice in the widest sense...

But who knows what; of the activities considered 'a bit weird' now; will be seen as 'mainstream' in ten or so years?
 Very difficult to forecast...

This magazine also has some beautiful illustrations; many of them original wood engravings; a further reason for it being the one periodical that gets hoarded here..... Not in a precious way; there's plenty of dog ears; and mug rings. But they will always bear a reread.

In depth journalism; with all facts; properly referenced. No pandering to the rather patronising; supposed; goldfish like attention span; of your usual magazine reader...

Moreover there is plenty of dissection; nuanced argument; and counter argument.

 So this is no preaching to the converted 'we're all on the same page' anti- establishment for its own sake; collection of writings. As many questions are raised; as are answered.

One of the topics this issue is the various cultural; and even legal aspects and approaches to the age old peasant tradition of 'foraging' for wild food.

Not the usual "Gosh! Did you know you could eat this?" Kind of gush; that is so often presented by 'greenish' tinged publications.

The retort to that; often being; a rather dry....

'Yes I know you can; but to be honest I've tried it once; and that was enough'

I'm not suggesting that gathering properly identified leafage from by the wayside doesn't have it's place (particularly if you're on foot; and chlorophyll is in short supply  :)

But it on the whole; for most people gathering wild food is a harmless hobby rather than a  source of great sustenance. More than likely you'd use as many calories gathering your pot herbs as you're going to get from eating them.
Maybe that's no bad thing; and perhaps there are vital micronutrients available in some edible wild plants scarce found elsewhere?

After all, most herbivores will; given the chance; graze the hedges; in addition to any lush sward; made available to them

However if you're not averse to the odd rabbit or pigeon for your repast, you are, perhaps in a lazier (and bloodier), but more efficient way; making the most of that animal having done the foraging for you. There's certainly no shortage of those tender morsels in these parts... If anyone fancies doing a bit of pest control..


Whatever the subjects covered; and this issue also offers amongst many other topics: The Church of Englands' pattern of land ownership and management; alternative pig foods; Local planning authorities varying attitude to travellers; the proposed privatisation of the land registry; and the growing movement of veg producers within the London Boroughs.

 Definitely worth a look if you have a thoughtful interest in land; and how it is used; and oft abused. Or are concerned about decent food, clean water, and air, a respected; but not sanitised; rural landscape. And whether the people; and other creatures; living and working in that landscape; are being given a fair deal.

So with any luck; that pretty much includes any half sensible human being.

Certainly; one would hope; that there are no insensible people who read this blog

"The Land is written by and for people who believe that the roots of justice, freedom, social security and democracy lie not so much in access to money, or to the ballot box, as in access to land and its resources..."

http://www.thelandmagazine.org.uk/

More things of beauty

Living and working in the countryside; it's a fantasy aspiration for so many people residing in more built up areas. The perception of endless peace and tranquility; an easier pace of life; abundant nature; clean air; and pretty scenery...

Now I'm not about to start complaining about my lot. 

Most of us; if we're lucky enough; get to make some choices about our lifestyles; and then we have to live with the consequences; be they fair; or even if not always so.

Running a small mixed farm can be hard work; frustrating when the weather doesn't play nicely; and can feel a touch relentless from time to time. But the work is varied; and the body is designed to do things. So get enough rest; and try to use the corporeal primary tool wisely enough; and physically; barring disasters one can keep going. 

The weather is beyond our control; and it would seem; even more unpredictable now. Not a massive surprise in truth; given that we are starting to see the effects of our releasing into the atmosphere; over a few lifetimes; vast stores of carbon laid down over millions of years.

It truly would be a 'miracle of nature' if there were no consequences to our doing that...

So we have to work with the materials we're given. 

And be thankful; as growers we get many of our inputs for free: sunshine; rain; and nitrogen in the air that can be captured by soil life; and reprocessed by those micro organisms; to feed plants; if that soil life is properly cared for. 

And perhaps; because the views from this particular farm are quite agreeable; there are often willing workers on hand; to be grateful for too. 

Preparing for Open Day this week... It's not so much a case of getting everything looking perfect. This is a commercial growing operation; not a show garden; no handy trust funds; or grants here.

 But who among us; if they take some pride in their work; doesn't want to show it off to its best advantage?

 Weed control; after maintaining soil health; via lots of love and compost; and not over cultivating; is the primary concern of anyone trying to produce crops for profit; without resort to herbicides...

So with a bit of extra, very welcome help; this small farm; is looking reasonably in shape for todays cake hungry influx..

Amina; cheerfully supervising the brassica weeding; and taking a few soil samples.... Looks like she's consumed a reasonable portion of healthy bacteria; to boost her intestinal flora... All the better for her digestion today..

And a few more items; pleasing to the eye; and palate; from about the place.....

Pea tendrils ...  Looking good; and tasty too..

Onion flowers...can be broken up, and used as a flavoursome salad garnish

Young red onions; on a bed of Agretti. A crunchily textured green vegetable originating from Italy. Its closest comparison texture and flavourwise; might be samphire.

First pickings of shiny courgettes; yellow patty pan; plus more conventional green variety. 

Lucky enough too to receive a gift yesterday. To be honest I'm not always such a fan of 'country writings'... They can often verge towards the twee; waxing lyrical on the pleasures of floriferous meadows; larks ascending; and other general bucolic blisssfulnesses; whilst turning a blind eye towards some of the harsher realities.

But I think the sender knows this..... :)

So despite exterior impressions that might be implied by the 'lovely' cover; the interior isn't quite so much 'unruffled country charm'..

There is something about getting a parcel in the post.... Thrills..

Even the first line of the preface reassures, against any rustic complacency..... "Now that I look back, I see that I have written with some anger"

This by a farmer; who is trying to build up the soil; and wild life of a depleted arable field over a couple of seasons; whilst producing a viable crop. 

That period of time; being not nearly long enough; of course. The saying being

"Live as if you are going to die tomorrow; farm as if you are going to live forever".....

 (Hmm...Sounds exhausting, to be honest.)

But an interesting undertaking all the same.

The first chapter mentions the regulations governing the atmospherically regulated cabs of tractors; involved in 'conventional' crop spraying. 

Protecting the operator from ingesting any of the toxic chemicals he or she is applying... EU directive etc etc...

Only now; if 'our' decision to leave the European Union comes to pass; then there won't be so many of those pesky rules; interfering with peoples right to apply whatever they like to their crops; on their land; however they choose... 

Although of course; those farmers are just trying to make a living, in a market driven world where "Business is business; and business must grow..... Regardless of crummies in tummies you know*"...

At all costs? Regardless of consequences? Yes; it would appear so... 

Sadly; I don't feel we really are; such 'clever monkeys' as we'd like to believe... 

Or maybe some are clever; but wisdom; at least for the longer view; certainly seems in fairly short supply.

Still; there will be cake; and anyway; glumness never solved much. 

So I will get the 'bunting monkey' to do his acrobatics; it visually cheers; in addition to distracting from any overlooked 'untidiness'.

And as ever; I'll put the kettle on for tea...

* Dr Zeuss ;)

Out of control...

Broad view from ...
An appetite can be worked up; by walking up; to enjoy this from the freshly mowed hilltop... Sunshine not guaranteed.

And another round of feverish activity commences...
Of course; it never really stopped in truth....

Preparing to receive visitors at the annual Farm "Show and Tell"
Although the main event, for most people, comprises eating cake; and plenty of it..

However; people are coming round; and some will feel obliged to show an interest in the veg growing operation, and come with me on the farm walk.
So things had better be smartened up somewhat...

This scenario will be familiar to most; unless one is already ruthlessly tidy by nature.....Not something that comes easily to me...

So if I give even half a fig; for what other people think; I'd better get a wiggle on...

We can often be admonished for worrying about other people's opinions of us...

"Just be yourself" they say...

And then again; almost as frequently..

"You can't do, or say that; what will people think?"

There really is no winning sometimes...

So a comfortable line somewhere between the two?

And of course when it comes to tidy.
One persons chaos; is anothers 'comfortably lived in'.

Most of us have visited houses, where the sofa cushions, for instance, have had to be readjusted as soon as ones posterior has been raised from the banquette....

Doesn't make one feel so welcome..

But at the same time it's nice if there is a buttocks width of upholstery available; upon which to perch...

Balance in all things...

And so it is; in farming; at least if you're trying to farm in a way that could claim to be agroecological...

Leaving enough wiggle room for nature; in part just because; it has an entitlement to space to do its thing.

But there's also a degree of self interest..
For example; pollinating hoverflies; who also predate on some crop pests such as aphids are attracted by flowering weeds and gone to seed vegetables and herbs...

But too many weeds and they start to compete. Fighting for space; light; and nutrients; with the crops. Which are necessary to pay the mortgage; and the wages; and the running costs of the farm.

I'm also trying (and mostly failing; miserably) to keep an open optimistic outlook about last Fridays referendum.

All for due democratic process; and acceptance of a result of a properly thought through debate. But I can't help feeling that a decision was made, by a populace not necessarily in possession of enough of the actual facts, to chose wisely.

There was a lot of unedifying fear of the 'other' spread about. encouraging of xenophobia; even racism; for political gain... 

Already there are regretful folks; who thought they were voting 'out' merely as; a kind of protest about what they didn't like about the EU and the way it is run. 

Some who voted to leave, are now wishing the result hadn't gone the way it did... 

We will have to live with this decision; and its consequences for many years to come; we don't; as in a general election; get a chance for a rethink in five years time.

One thing that saddens me in particular; is that it was the older generations in the main; who voted out; the youth; who will be feeling the fall out for far longer; wanted to stay in.....

Ho; and indeed hum; is as impolite as I'm prepared to be in expressing my feelings of sadness and frustration on their behalf; on this 'open to all' blog.

But next Sundays event will also be open to all too; everyone will be made welcome; and doubtless well fed too. No matter their political views.

I will try to keep off the subject; and just focus on what goes on here; unless someone directly enquires as to my feelings. 

However; I am almost disinclined too, to swag the bunting in the usual 'English Fete (worse than death) style' Although I suppose I could slightly subversively insert the occasional European flag into the line.....?

 "No man is an Island"

Or any farm, or community, or country ( even if this one is an island geographically speaking)

Maintaining boundaries; personally; and geographically are important for sure. 

But maintaining connections; and acknowledging interdependencies; is just as crucial.

To quote a brave; young woman who's life was horribly cut short whilst peacefully campaigning for greater inclusivity; and for our staying within the EU .... 

"We have far more in common with each other than things that divide us."

Proceeds from next Sundays cake and veg sale will be going; as usual; to this organisation....

http://practicalaction.org/?gclid=CJDv6ZWGxs0CFYZuGwoduEkILQ

 Which does useful work globally; to find; and fund practical; sustainable; solutions to enable people to lift themselves out of poverty...

If you can't come and join in the gluttony in person.Then I'm sure a few pounds, or dollars, or Euros, or whatever coinage has currency in the country in which you; my dear reader reside; wouldn't go amiss.

Italian egg custards... With blueberries; just some of the delectables on offer last year.... hungry now...

I have to say I am impressed with the international diversity of folks who seem to be interested in the goings on; of a fluffy little farm in Devon, UK...

So waves cheerily \0/ to the Portugese; Belarussians; Malaysians; French; New Zealanders; Peruvians; Nepalese; Malawians; Spaniards; Japanese; Brazilians; Canadians; Americans; and, and all of you.....I've had to look some places up - most educational ... 

Of course you may all be enthusiastic 'bots'.... But then; perhaps; you have feelings too?

In Good heart...

Lots of love and compost.
When your soil is in a happy state like this; the simple but satisfying pleasure of hoeing doesn't feel like work.

It's more akin to stirring brown sugar...

The weeds are desperate to seed and perpetuate themselves; as midsummer approaches. So keep the top layer of tilth moving. But try not to disturb the lower levels too much; where the soil life is working it's mysterious magic.