NFU Scotland Highland region chairman Cameron MacIver writes about the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the farming sector
It’s funny how nature always takes care of things.
Two years ago you could name your price on hay, silage and straw.
This year you could struggle to find a buyer, and I’m just hoping that won’t be the case with barley next year.
If maltsters get 100% of their tonnage this year, then they may only need 70% next year.
I do stress if they get 100% this year and there is no disaster somewhere in the world to disrupt supply, there is a real threat of an oversupplied market, which could have an effect for the next couple of harvests.
If nature works her wonders, it might never happen but I think it’s right we know there’s potential problems out there.
The knock-on effect of Covid-19 will be with us for a while to come and I fear it is only a matter of time before another lockdown is put in place.
I don’t agree with some of the SNP’s policy but I do think Nicola Sturgeon has been right about opening up too quickly – it’s just a pity the rest of the country didn’t follow.
Maybe if we had just stayed shut for a few more weeks it would have made a big difference.
Autumn is just around the corner and with the colder weather it could take off again in no time.
We wouldn’t let our stock move about during the foot and mouth outbreak and it’s the same with people and Covid-19.
This would normally be the fortnight we meet up with friends, machinery representatives, stock breeders and exhibitors to have a laugh, a dram or two and do a bit of business at the local shows.
I do hope these smaller, local, friendly shows manage to survive and are properly supported in years to come.
It was at one of these smaller shows where my son started showing cattle and got the bug. It feels strange not to be getting set to show this year.
You find yourself missing the build-up, the anticipation, the joy and the disappointment of it all.
It was at one of these local shows where he cut his teeth and learned tricks of the trade. He learned how to clip and dress stock (as well as himself), and tips on leading and presentation.
This year was set to be his first time exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show and without the experience of local shows he wouldn’t have the confidence to go to a national show.
There is so much that we are missing out on, not being able to have a show this year, but the main thing I will be missing is the chance to speak to so many people.
Whether they be friends, NFU Scotland members, exhibitors or sellers, it’s just a great chance to speak to your colleagues in the industry.
With some luck and if we all listen to the guidance then hopefully we will be able to have a blether at our home shows next year.