After a couple of years without an update from the Indigro team, the mantel of ‘blog writer’ has been passed to me. I suppose a personal introduction is in order, so here goes. My name is Harry Molton, I am 25 years old from South Cambridge. I grew up on a family farm, so naturally I have been involved in agriculture my whole life. We have a suckler herd of 70 Limousin cows, roughly 120 unruly sheep and manage 500 acres of arable land. I joined Indigro in February, having previously worked at KWS UK and NIAB. I feel I have always been on the edge of agronomy in one way or another, either from disease scoring candidate varieties at KWS UK or managing DUS trials at NIAB, but never found the right company for me. Well, safe to say that search has ended. When my friends and family ask me about work, if I’m still enjoying it etc., I don’t need even think about the answer. It’s by far the best, most enjoyable yet challenging job I have ever had and I’m absolutely loving it. My mum tells me that I light up when Dad and I are having agronomic debates over a pint at the local, so really that says it all! Dad always wanted to be an agronomist, so I feel like, to some extent, he is living it through me. As I embark on my first full season in agronomy, I can’t help but feel a combination of excitement and trepidation.
Pre-harvest meetings for next year’s cropping have mostly been completed and a few of us have already written recommendations for next season’s crops. It feels like only yesterday WOSR desiccations plans were being sent out! I even managed to get a week’s holiday in – my partner and I made our way to Croatia for a relaxing few days. Whilst enjoying some sun, I couldn’t help but think we could do with the same at home. Fingers crossed its on its way!
This year’s harvest has, so far, been challenging to say the least! Combine harvesters around the country have been on standby for the past few weeks, waiting eagerly to get going. On our farm at home, we don’t have any winter barley in the rotation and so the first crop to make it to the barn was the spring barley. Surprisingly, the next crop that will be fit to combine at home will probably be the winter field beans. Hopefully the weather clears up and farmers up and down the country can crack on. As of right now though, it just doesn’t feel like we are at the start of August. As we all know, nothing can be done to control the weather and so a bit of patience will be key to getting these crops harvested and keeping our sanity.
There is, however, a bright side to all the wet weather, especially for WOSR growers. The barley has (for the most part) made its way into the barns via the dryer, leaving plenty of time for some early WOSR drilling into moisture. With any luck, we can get some good strong plants out of the ground by the time the dreaded CSFB arrives, only time will tell. Next season is just around the corner, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities to learn. As for the blog, I will endeavour to get a post out every month. Until next time!
