Farm Diary - Sept 2 2009

Fourth cut is inevitable I'm told, and it will be made as a clearing up operation, setting stubble heights for next spring. It will not be good enough for the cows, so it will be made for the bio-digester.

Four Germans on site, one of them a girl, who is in overall charge. The roofs are on both towers, inflated by the electric motors now that we have power on site. It's reported to me that they look an impressive sight, with centres 6 metres high. The ladders are in place for all the 'portholes', and the main gantry is well under way. It's amazing what can be achieved with a woman in charge!

The calf 'robot' has arrived at Tillington, and James is busy setting up the four pens, feeding stations, water and power. Meantime our daughter Gwenan is rearing the first 30 or so Holstein heifers in the conventional way. As soon as I get back, we will need to transfer 70 of biggest yearling heifers over to Roger Elliott's farm at Alfold, where he will rear them over the winter on contracts.

In between concrete mixing, laying down patio slabs, and driving a mini-digger, I have written several articles for the farming press in the last week or so. I find it so easy to think things through and put thought to paper when out of the country on holiday. It allows time for thought, a pause in the hectic day to day life of farming and agricultural politics.

It is also an opportunity to read all the books I was given for Christmas. Relatives know that political autobiography's or biographies are favourite, and of course any book connected to cars and motor racing. Email allows contact with current agricultural affairs and the NFU HQ. Being old fashioned I have to go down to the Internet caf in our local market town to 'log on'. I turned down an NFU 'Blackberry' recently, because I thought that a mobile phone and email at home were sufficiently intrusive.

Here in France, the sunflowers are being harvested, and the maize surprisingly still being irrigated. The maize and sunflower are both variable, with the usual heavy crops, but many fields looking surprisingly anaemic, which is very unusual. I have never seen such variance in crops, and I am unsure if it is down to the season or lack of irrigation.

President (de la Republic) Sarkozy is attempting to change France, and more importantly, the French. He wants them to modernise their lives, in line with the modern world they live in. Two hour lunches, shops and all businesses shut on Sundays whilst the all important family day takes president over all things. The massive bureaucracy, the huge army of civil servants and public workers, the lack of market focus and global competitiveness.

The French see this as a direct attack on all they hold so dear. Their traditions, the importance of family, the traditional lunch time, and their day of rest (with Saturday afternoon and most things shut on Monday it is two days for many). They see Sarkozy as a leader who want them to adopt American or British ways (much the same thing), where as they are resolutely French, and in no way willing to contemplate such an attack on their rights.

Chatting to local businessmen, it is interesting to hear their general comments. They complain that out of town supermarkets are sucking the market towns dry for small businesses, that the welfare state is too generous, with young people badly educated and unwilling to work. They claim that half the population work for the government and are largely untouched by recession. Employment costs are far too high, and getting rid of poor workers far too difficult.

As an outsider, I secretly admire their long lunches and Sunday closing, it's a bit like winding the clock back at home. However, it is amazing how we have got used to being able to buy almost anything at anytime, and getting back to clock watching is not easy. If I worked here, I would find it infuriating, although I suppose I would get used to it?

The way the local authorities cater for locals and visitors alike at the local rivers and lakes is second to none. I have noticed that Health and Safety is creeping in, with a ban on jumping off most bridges, cordoned areas for swimming if one wants the children to be minded by lifeguards, who are always late arriving and early to leave. But the biggest difference this year is the cost! With sterling devalued by a significant amount, it does make France more expensive than the UK once more.

I'm not complaining, but the tourist numbers are well down, with restaurants not full, and it is generally quieter than usual. Good for us, but not so good for local businesses who depend on tourist income at this time of year. We will be home by the time you read this, and this holiday seems to have gone in a flash. We have left our mark in the garden, and around the house, but nature will be in charge as soon as we leave, making sure our next visit is also a busy one.