UK Agriculture four seasons
Month - January
January
Autumn calving dairy cows are now pregnant and in some herds ultrasound scanning of the cows by the vet will begin. The scanning provides confirmation of pregnancy status and indicates the likely calving date - in this image the foetal calf can be clearly seen. Routine scanning of the cows is helpful where the herd is trying to maintain a tight calving pattern as any conception difficulties can be quickly identified.
January
Aberdeen Angus on a small beef farm. These animals are winter fed with hay as a bulk feed so that they mature slowly producing a very tender meat cut. On this farm the cattle are housed in traditional farm buildings. These are too small to allow tractor access for mucking out and so everything has to be done by hand. Unfortunately this is generally too costly to be economic and so these sorts of buildings tend to become redundant for farming need.
January
Muck and slurry can quickly accumulate when animals are winter housed so adequate storage is essential. Farmyard manure is now highly regulated and farmers have to produce waste management plans and comply with environmental and cross compliance legislation.
January
Supplementary feeding with hay in frosty conditions. In the winter months baled hay is the preferred choice of many shepherds. Small bales can easily be carried by a quad or Land Rover to remote parts of the farm and can be replaced on an as needed basis, leading to less waste.
January
In colder spells snow provides a protective blanket shielding crops from cold winds. In the UK winter crops (autumn sown) predominate because our winters are relatively mild and crops can survive without significant plant loss. However in the more easterly parts of continental Europe severe cold can decimate autumn sown crops causing significant yield loss or complete failure. This has implications for market supply and prices.
January
Frosted stubble, note that the hollows of the straws are frost free. Straw has excellent insulative properties and can be used in the insulation of green homes made using natural materials. Straw bales are sandwiched between a timber exterior and a plastered interior to provide an energy efficient eco-home.
January
A stubble turnip growing amongst an oil seed rape crop - crops from an earlier part of the rotation are as much a weed as anything else. Critical for the farmer is to prevent the weed crop from setting seed, particularly where the weed is closely related to the crop itself.
January
There are over 350 vineyards in the UK and British wine is regularly commended in international tasting although it accounts for only 0.3% of the UK market. In the winter months there is a great deal of outdoor work to complete. Vines have to be pruned and overhanging branches or other obstructions removed. Broken posts and wires will need to be replaced whilst in the winery itself a careful watch will be kept on the fermentation of the wines. Once this has completed, blending and bottling can begin.
January
Haggis, a traditional dish of Burns Night served with bagpipes and whisky. Haggis is usually made using sheep stomach, which is then stuffed with oat meal and offal. Throughout history there have been many variations of haggis which include the use of pigs stomach, the inclusion of fruits and berries, the use of eggs and bread along with all sorts of spices. Haggis is usually boiled or steamed and has featured in recipes since medieval times.
January
Scotch Broth, a traditional winter dish that makes good use of seasonal ingredients. Broths originate from the boiling of mutton neck and other bones which were often combined with onion, bacon and other vegetables. These were simmered for a day or so before the liquid was strained off and to this, barley and other vegetables were added. This was again simmered until the barley was tender and then served, often with oatcake. Broths are evidence of a culinary economy of use far removed from today's wasteful society.
January
By January, underground aquifers have been replenished and heavy rain may lead to local flooding. In many valleys, farmland absorbs this, helping to protect towns, villages and essential infrastructure although this role is challenged by poor planning that pays scant regard to the role of existing flood plains. Farmland fertility nearly always benefits from the silts and nutrients that are deposited by flooding.
January
Recently felled timber is loaded onto a trailer at the roadside. Emotions about the felling of trees often run high, however softwood forestry is just another crop, albeit on a 50 year cycle. As a natural and renewable resource, the economic prospects for timber are now much brighter than they have been for many years.
January
Woodland coppicing continues throughout the winter months. Here an under story of hazel has been coppiced leaving the standards (mature trees) for thinning later. Coppicing allows light to the woodland floor encouraging all kinds of fauna and flora although the effects are short lived as the hazel will quickly regrow to capture the available light. Coppicing is worked on a rotational basis so that a mix of habitats at various stages of the coppice cycle co-exist in the wood together. For more information visit Coppicing.com
January
Firewood being dried (seasoned) ready for splitting and bagging. Seasoning takes around six months and seasoned wood burns much hotter than green (unseasoned) wood. It is also safer to use as it does not leave thick tar deposits in the chimney.
January
Enjoy the view! From the South Downs to the North Yorkshire Moors, from the flat fens to the undulating dales, the British Countryside offers a range of views that no art gallery can match. Get your boots on but please remember to follow the Countryside Code:
Be safe - plan ahead;
Leave gates and property as you find them;
Protect plants and animals and take home your litter;
Keep dogs under close control and finally;
Consider other people.