BUSINE SS ON THE FARM


48


DOWN ON THE FARM WITH RICH AT RISBURY


Each month Richard Thomas will join us to talk about life on his family farm in North Herefordshire, where they farm beef, sheep, arable and apples. Their ethos is to try to farm in a more regenerative style for the benefit of future generations.


A damp, catchy (rainy) summer, hay making in early September, flooding in Scotland last week and a warm October here in Herefordshire... the climate has always changed, but many suggest that man-made climate change is already showing itself here in our parishes and far beyond.


I cannot do anything specific about those wider issues, but we are certainly trying to use less inputs on our farm and, in the meantime, the warmer and perhaps wetter weather has helped grass growth. This year has clearly been easier than last on anyone whose business and livelihood relies on rain. In fact the grass growth curve shows a higher yield than the rolling five year average. It is clear to see that the grass is still growing well in October, as we continue to move the cattle and the sheep around the farm; making the most of the warm start to autumn.


As soon as we house cattle, the costs effectively triple, give or take ten percent; which, in a fairly low margin enterprise, is significant. The longer we can graze, the better; it is for our business and I think the animals. They would rather be outside on all but the roughest day and, on those days, it is our job to


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make sure that they have access to shelter. Trees and tall hedges show their value on those days; and of course the hotter days!


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