Back to work after the break (if you can call it that living over the shop), which was a morning with Chris and Paul on the farm, then off to the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) with fellow TFA member Jonathan Papworth.  This was my first OFC and I did struggle after lunch as the lights dimmed in the warmzzzzz… but George Dunn (the TFA’s Chief Executive) ably kept me focused and I skipped lunch on day 2 and had a walk!

There will be much in the press about the event so I’ll not go into too much detail, but Hilary Benn was the most decisive I have heard him.  Sticking up for us on pesticides at the EU, based on lack of evidence/risk assessment.  If the evidence doesn’t support a ban then there should not be one, he said.  So on that basis if the weight of evidence that a cull would control TB, then he would have to have a cull.  The TB eradication group will have to consider the case.

Renewables and food security were also high on the agenda.  I met Jane Kennedy MP and Lord Hunt on that subject with a select few on Tuesday night.  Lord Hunt was not aware of the pitfalls of change of use in the planning of wind turbines allowing the landlord all the benefit.  George is briefing him properly by letter as I write this.  I endeavored to get the minister to understand the present state of farming, and the risks of loss of production especially milk if something is not soon done.  There is an assumption among politicians all is well in agriculture.  If they want food security, they need to know the starting point, so hopefully they will act sooner than they would if everything were in good heart.

For me the case studies were fascinating, people proving just what is possible if you get it right, but also how you have to stay on top of your game to remain there.

The Frank Parkinson lecture was also fascinating.  Australia’s research and development puts us to shame.  More funding on new technologies and conventional, to beat drought, to use less nitrogen, to improve health and sell a positive story to consumers.  Much to be learned there.

Wednesday afternoon and the IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) research findings might surprise you, particularly the interpretation.  We have a low opinion of ourselves but the public thinks we are hard working but not well paid.  We came third after nurses and doctors for hardest working, but the public don’t hear enough from us.  They want British food, but food is expensive.  They are also still concerned about animal welfare, though our standards are one of the best, we cannot let them slip.  We apparently have a public profile to die for!  We should capitalize on this and the last two speakers showed how they were doing it locally through the media and leaf (linking environment and farming), particularly farm open days, so we should get out there and turn the perceptions around.

A very enjoyable and stimulating two days. I made a lot of new contacts and it was most worthwhile, personally and for the TFA.

Sadly I missed the first chance for 10 years to skate outside on Whittlesey wash and now the frost is out it’s a bit sticky.

So what’s new you may say, Bliss on thin ice or in the s***.