I’m one of those rare young famers there’s so much talk of these days, as I have returned home after College with the aim of continuing to farm until I’m old.
Despite agreeing, to a large extent, with the viewpoints of some of my fellow authors on the subject of agriculture’s dismal situation in general, I feel I need to emphasise some of the good points about the industry and rural life, - points which are taken for granted.
Everyone’s talking about the current economic slow-down, and yes, these next few years are going to be a challenge to any business, but there is one thing which is in our favour as farmers - the land beneath our feet; the potential to feed the family from the produce of the land. It’s possible for us to get milk from the cow and make cheese and butter; to produce meat such as pork, beef, lamb and turkey; to have eggs by keeping a few hens on the yard; to grow grain to feed the animals and a variety of fruit and vegetables…the possibilities are endless. Nobody who lives and works in a city have these options. The emphasis these days are on self-sufficiency, and if anyone is going to survive a recession, or possibly, a war, then it’ll be us farmers.
There is no doubt, in my opinion, that rural Wales is the best place to live, and it’s easy to see why. Just look at the large number of people who are moving here from the cities and buying ‘cheap’ cottages in our countryside. It’s obvious that they are searching for a different way of life.
I must admit I didn’t think much of our politicians’ attitude and understanding of agriculture over the last decade or so, but I must applaud our current Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones. I believe that she’s made a huge difference since her appointment and it’s nice to see someone who has an understanding of our situation in the countryside in this important position. We are in a much better position on this side of Offa’s Dyke, considering issues such as the single farm payment, the cross-compliance rules and regulations, the TB compensation payments and the steps which are taken to control the disease. It’s good to see our neighbours jealous of us for once.
I hope I have drawn your attention to some of the more positive points of Welsh agriculture at the moment. Of course, it needs further development to secure a prosperous future. Agriculture is on the up with beef prices high and lamb and milk prices stable, but we need these increases to continue to ensure that any profit is not swallowed up by rising fuel costs, fertilizer or feeds. I’m sure that the evident scarcity of food in our world is going to affect the demand for our products, increase prices and will ensure that everyone will be aware of our worth as farmers.
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