Local farmers preparing.

[kenneal - lagger]

We spent an hour and a half yesterday trying to fill two IBC from domestic 12 supply so that we could water community planted trees. We gave up at 600 litres in each as people were waiting to help us. The council's pumped supply from tanks had gone dry. Let's hope for some rain on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so we don't have to water them again!!

I'm not hopeful as they are only forecasting a 30% chance in our area. The wind is from the south west which is not a good direction for us as we're in the rain shadow of the North Hampshire Downs. We can often see the sky absolutely black five miles away to the south west with obvious heavy rain. We're in bright sunshine!!

[adam2]

Filling three IBCs takes most of the night, and requires a child to transfer the hose from one container to another. A few drums are filled also.
Not very green as child sleeps in the truck with the engine running to work the air conditioning. I suggested a camp bed and sleeping in the open but this was rejected after the cat jumped upon the child and started nibbling the ears of child ! (not maliciously, the cat felt that the child should be awake and entertaining the cat with toy mouse on string or similar)

[Catweazle]

An IBC takes under 30 minutes to fill here from the polytunnel water pipe.

[kenneal - lagger]

Same here from a 3/4" pumped supply pipe.

[adam2]

It takes hours to fill an IBC from my mains supply, low mains pressure.

[kenneal - lagger]

I could fill the IBCs here and probably a lot quicker as our mains pressure is quite high, high enough to blow the joints on occasion, but we are metered and getting the money back from whoever might be difficult. Our outside tap is a 12mm tap but it comes immediately off a 22mm mains supply pipe.

[adam2]

I have yet to see the money, but consider that the user of the water is reliable and will pay, possibly in kind.
At present they owe me two 19 kilo propane cylinders, and 10 cubic meters of water, and six government surplus blankets.

But I owe them for 30 kilos of meat and 5 kilos of butter.

[Vortex2]

Will be ordering IBCs.

In the meantime I have checked all hoses and connections running around our site.
Sure enough, a couple of dripping joints and a few pinhole leaks.
New joints and some sections of new hose fixed those.

We have also had a few incidents where the hose connections have blown, letting water run away for hours at a time.
To deal with this I have added a timer cut off and an electronic flow meter to our main standpipe.

I have also replaced the 25mm mains pipe and joints and tap for the standpipe.

All this means that I can monitor water uage and alos ensure water cutoff aftre 15 - 30 minutes even if I forget to turn off the brass tap.

It's easy to lose water if you don't keep the piping etc in good nick.

[adam2]

Drought continues, despite the odd very light shower. Beef farmer VERY glad of the low lying grazing purchased a few years ago. Liable to flood in winter, but very valuable at this time of year. Water is an ongoing problem.

My dairy farming friends in Wales are watering the upper fields to encourage grass growth. Nothing sophisticated is needed, just a petrol driven fire pump and a child. Lagoon about half full. They have just purchased a new bull, old one gone for dog food.

[adam2]

As noted upthread nearly a year ago, some farmers have reduced or eliminated the growing of fresh vegetables due to increased labour costs, labour shortages, and high fertiliser prices.

The result can now be seen in many supermarkets, with shortages of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other fresh foods. The shortages are partly due to severe weather destroying crops in places that would normally export to us, but shortages of home grown produce are now noticeable.

All the above foods are still available, but in lesser volumes and at higher prices than previously.

[johnny]

As noted upthread nearly a year ago, some farmers have reduced or eliminated the growing of fresh vegetables due to increased labour costs, labour shortages, and high fertiliser prices.

The result can now be seen in many supermarkets, with shortages of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other fresh foods. The shortages are partly due to severe weather destroying crops in places that would normally export to us, but shortages of home grown produce are now noticeable.

All the above foods are still available, but in lesser volumes and at higher prices than previously.

So are these part of the expected consequences of Brexit?

[BritDownUnder]

I would suspect it is more the result of the substitution of Russian Energy and Agricultural exports with higher priced alternatives with all the profiteering that seems to have resulted. Brexit 'paperwork' has been cited after the energy, fertilizer and bad weather reasons.
Supposedly some greenhouses in Kent have not produced in the last year due to high energy prices

These shortages have been noted with some amusement in Australia along with the imminent break up of the UK.

[Vortex2]

So are these part of the expected consequences of Brexit?

Partially.

Energy prices, fertiliser etc are also factors.

Lack of transient farm labour seems to be key.

[adam2]

One farm has used much improved accommodation for seasonal workers.
A hired toilet and shower block in a portahut, a coin op washing machine in an existing outbuilding, and a very large tent for sleeping/living space.
The tent became uncomfortably hot and needed several large and energy gobbling air conditioners, but otherwise the new arrangements are working well.

Repeated this year.
A permanent toilet/shower/laundry building has been built, primarily for seasonal harvest workers. Mains electricity, propane for water heating.

When needed a large tent is erected for sleeping and living space. This is divided into 10 bed spaces. Each contains a large single bed, a folding table and a couple of chairs. And a secure lockable cupboard. An open plan area contains a fridge, small cooker and a TV.
Hot air central heating and air conditioning.
Main meals are cooked outside, a whole sheep is favoured by Eastern European harvest crews.

[clv101]

What kind of farm is it? What's the work?