Get into the black before the green

AS I write, all the cows are dry, and the staff are having a well-deserved rest after a tumultuous 2020.

The herd are in good condition with the heifers having a bit too much condition. But they are in-calf to a Jersey so hopefully shouldn’t encounter too many problems. Thankfully there is adequate forage, but I’m never confident on this point as it’s a job to know when the winter truly ends.

It is at this time of year that we look back at the previous year and see what went right and what we can do to improve things on the farm.

It would be fair to say technically there were no real dramas, which is lucky as financially and mentally it was very challenging due to Covid-19.

I’m very proud that throughout the pandemic us farmers still delivered food to our suppliers to feed the nation. I just hope government realises the value and importance that the farming fraternity brings to the country, especially at times of great adversity. But when we’re trying to plan for this coming year it will almost feel like playing the lottery. What will the Brexit deal look like? What will the future of farm support look like?

England have already set their stall out whilst the Senedd are still thinking about it, but maybe that is a very good thing. There is no argument that the protection and nurturing of the environment is vitally important, but producing sustainable, high quality food is equally important.

It’s important that the Senedd understands that you have to be in the black before you can get into the green, as I feel that farmers are as important as anyone to deliver governments vision of a green revival.

With the Welsh elections coming up in May there could be a possible change in government and if that happens maybe a change of direction of policies.

The union will be working very hard at that time to influence prospective candidates on the key issues such as TB, NVZS and the future vision of any support mechanism that may be implemented.

But the first matter we must attend to before we can do anything else is to tackle this ruthless pandemic.

It is extremely worrying that the virus is quite prevalent within our community at this time.

Before the vaccine can be delivered mainstream, we in the county must be vigilant and adhere to the rules.

There are probably more lockdowns to come and different tiers to abide with in the coming months and I understand that all this is frustrating and worrying but it will save lives and put less pressure on our NHS, who are doing a fantastic job.