-----Original Message-----
From: David [SMTP:...]
Sent: 07 September 2001 16:26
To: Farmtalking
Subject: [farmtalking] Ghastly Statistics!

Lisa,

Thanks for that view. You have saved me a job! I agree with every word.

Now the next thing to do is to stop saying (as we all do) "what farmers
want
is a fair price"! Any struggling industry could say that but we have to
do
something about it.

We won't get a fair price while thousands of us chase the same few buyers
(I
'm not talking niche markets here). Before long (10 yrs?) it won't be the
big five supermarkets in the UK but maybe just FOUR in the whole of
Europe.
Then try negotiating as an individual and see how you get on! These HUGE
supermarkets NEED HUGE quantities of processed food and HUGE farmer owned
co-ops will have to take control of the processing and be in a position to
supply the supermarkets with the quantity and quality they want.

If 80% to 90% of ALL our meat and milk was sold through three or four
SUPER
FARMER OWNED CO-OPS we could start to make improvements. Until then we
will
just have to go on moaning that we want a "fair price".

David

-----Original Message-----
From: Lisa Robertson [...]
Sent: 07 September 2001 10:51
To: ...
Subject: RE: [farmtalking] Ghastly Statistics!

Hi Susan,

can I join in here?
point one – who necessarily defines the "Poorer quality sheep?" The
Europeans love our light lambs from the hills and with significant
reduction
bang goes a big export market. They are also potentially alot healthier
to
eat (less fat). Blair has no understanding of farming. you cannot improve
or
put added value on the stock on the hills ( other than by lowering
losses).
These clever little sheep are the only sheep capable of surviving in the
rough conditions. We do not and should not look at sheep merely by value
of
fat lamb. The quality and taste of the meat should be examined also the
wool. Hill sheep are remarkable breeds and without them all high country
will be lost. On the Beacons the ecology is already altering due to 20,
000
sheep gone.
The issues have to be examined very closely. Farmers are willing to cut
back
on stock, but the hills to remain the same or improved can only run a
certain type of stock.

There is an arrogant assumption that farmers do not know what they are
doing
among politicians. Those that have the land to run "added value" sheep
already do it for obvious financial reasons. land and animals have to be
viewed with knowledge! it is not just a question of stocking a better
type
because the returns are better such as a computer in an office. farmers
know
their job, it is political enforcements that cock the whole thing up.
The
"poorer animals are no more a commodity than the heavier fat lambs" if
anything it can be the opposite. Talk to the the hill farmers of their
dedication and the conditions they endure and you will see it surpasses
in
dedication to many lowland farmers.
The farmers were overstocked DUE TO THE GOVT. A farmer wont often get it
wrong – he knows his land and animals. the govt is obviously still
displaying the same agricultural ignorance it has done throughout. What
else
can you expect from a metropolitan lawyer!
What farmers need is a fair price for their product and the support from
the
country concerning their contribution to it's well being, both
environmentally and otherwise. They keep England looking like England by
the
stock they run and the tending of the land.
incidentally i am of the firm opinion that the brain of a hill sheep is
far
superior to the lowlands. If they are to be considered "sentient beings"
which we have all considered them for sometime – it is only the govt who
does not and will continue not to, we should start to appreciate the
irreplaceable value these less economically viable animals represent. It
is
not all about economics. We are on the end of more spin doctoring!

my contribution hope you don't mind,

Lisa
Heart of Devon

--
If you want to share pictures, use the calendar, or start a vote
visit http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/farmtalking

To leave the group, email: ...