Scrap that...
By Jim McLaren, Farmer from Perthshire and Chairman of The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.
As I sit down to write a few words, the tractor and baler are busy tidying up the winter barley straw which has sat on the ground for the last two weeks, due to rainfall. The unpredictability of the weather means there is no such thing as a “normal” harvest any more, however, I am continuously reassured and uplifted when I think back to my father’s generations and those before him. Despite every year being different, they and we have always managed to get the harvest done and, for me, it is something that makes farming so unique – we always find a way!
This week, however, does give us a slight lull on the summer workload, as we wait for the rest of the crops to ripen, ready for cutting. It presented an opportunity for my son, Crawford and I to tackle the annual scrap metal run. There is joy to be found in a good tidy up and seeing the trailer full can be quite satisfying!
Aside from the monetary value it offers, a tidy up provides a chance to take stock, reflect and, mentally, is great for my wellbeing. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment and pride as areas of the farm are refreshed, purely by removing some “rubbish”, and I get to spend some valuable time with my family – something that is so important.
This tidy up nature is perhaps why I enjoy writing a list so much. Not only does it help me ensure I don’t forget anything, but there is something so therapeutic about scoring out a line once it is completed. One small step at a time helps me not feel overwhelmed with the long list of jobs and keeps me on track.
Several of the jobs this week are getting ready to welcome the British Simmental Society young members to the farm for a stock judging competition. Farming can be an incredibly isolating job so engaging with wider farmers and non-farmers alike, in a fun and informative way, is something that we are really proud to do.
It is one of the reasons The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is supporting Farmstrong Scotland. The Blether Together podcast and live event series allows people to connect and support each other, helping combat the sense of isolation in farming. It is delivered in a format that allows it to go Scotland and UK wide, reaching as many people as possible.
The podcast series is particularly topical. In my house, my children are often tuned into podcast episodes, on all kinds of topics, and the ability for Farmstrong Scotland to engage with our current and next generations is so important for the future of our sector. If you are at harvest over the next few weeks, or have a chance to tune in, you can find some of the podcasts below, and the full list by visiting the Farmstrong Scotland playlist.
Farmstrong Scotland messages remind me, that even on a wet, dreich day, even though it is easy to feel negative and down, you can improve the way you feel (and improve your farm) through the small things in life. Whether it is moving a piece of scrap metal or fixing a fence post, as highlighted in the new podcast this month. It all helps our wellbeing.
We have a couple of weeks to go and then I get the great privilege of driving the combine as our harvest continues, in the meantime, I am off to see if I can find any more scrap metal!
Stay safe!
Jim McLaren
The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Chairman
