As we move into autumn, much of everyday farm life goes on unchanged and regular routines are the same year-on-year.
My clothes have taken on the distinctive smell of the sheep colouring mix as our tups and cast ewes are prepared for upcoming breeding sales, and when I stand at the steading door there’s the continual sound of passing tourist traffic driving the iconic North Coast 500.
The route has become controversial as some folk feel the area has become too busy, with a severe lack of basic facilities and toilets, yet despite the negatives nobody can ignore the welcome income boost brought to many local shops, hotels, restaurants and accommodation providers.
Out on the hill the stags have began to rut, their roars and barks echoing all around as they gather up their harems of hinds. It’s a haunting sound which is often followed by the clash of antlers as battle commences between the rival suitors – nearly as exciting as a dance in Bettyhill Hall from my distant youth, where a fight could erupt on the dance floor without too much warning and the following melee would often spill out into the hall car park.
Life beyond the farm, however, is not at all the same as it once was, and this week’s announcements and tightening of coronavirus restrictions in a bid to control the rising number of new infections is another reminder of how vulnerable a situation we all face.
As a seller of store and breeding livestock I’ve been extremely grateful to have been allowed to keep trading during the past few months. It means you can continue to focus on what needs to be done.
Most of our lambs have been sold off store, with a few left to fatten , and I’ve managed a good clear out of second-hand machinery and trailers which were sold online through the mart. There are frustrations and it all feels different – but at least we’re still trading.
As an industry we’re very lucky when so many other sectors and businesses are facing some hellish challenges and difficult financial futures. As back end sales continue and folk gather, even at a distance, we need to be extra vigilant. The marts I’ve attended have been well organised and very clear on the rules which means I’ve felt safe.
However, I was challenged at one mart by a consigner who questioned why I was wearing a mask and “did I think I was special or at a higher risk than everyone else”? I certainly don’t think I’m special, but I do feel that we all need to be extra careful and minimise the risks. If wearing a mask helps in any way, I’m all for it, especially if it enables us to keep trading and doing business.
I heard a sobering message on the radio from a global health specialist who said that – even with a coronavirus vaccine – we’re looking at disruption for two to three years ahead and, without one, up to 10 years of adjusting to the consequences on society.
Rather than getting angry with one another we need some long term coping strategies to the ever-changing situations and acceptance of difficult times. It would certainly be more constructive than a brawl in the car park over face coverings – a bit like the end of a 1980s dance in Bettyhill!
