Comment – Will it? Won’t it?

The older I get, the more attracted I am to the ‘farming folklore’ around.

Be it my neighbour on her quad bike who confidently predicts the next months weather on the basis of the moon, or my Dad’s pronouncements on the ‘Helm’ wind (the only named wind in the UK see link here.)

Those who know me, will attest to the fact that I’m not against technology and have even ventured into the world of the lightbar for spreading fertiliser and drilling. Likewise I am very happy with the weather station up on the hill behind, especially when I need to triangulate the data being offered by the reliable, analogue wheelbarrow in the yard.

Howard G Buffett (Warrens lad) has a great book called ‘Forty Chances’ which talks*, amongst other things, about the idea that farmers have on average forty chances, namely the seasons through which they farm, to make it count.

Speaking of weather and the seasons. I’ve been remiss with the monthly rainfall stats, so for the sake of completeness, (drum roll) September 24 had 126mm of rain, which is slap bang average from our last five years records,  peaking with 201mm in Sept ’23 and a low of 79mm in ’21. So there, you nay sayers about a wet autumn.

With 9mm of rain overnight, I’m not rolling yesterdays winter brassica drilling, but will be opening the gate and driving the flock in.. In my smock.

Have a good week.

Andy

* The book recommendation is here.