New Year's Message

Our New Year Message was delivered by Ian Metson, who farms in Abbess Roding. He was accompanied by his parents, Christopher and Jo Metson, who farmed the land before him. He is the fourth generation of farmers.

He considered the current state and future of farming in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to his own farm. Some of his land is given over to wheat and some is used for grazing sheep. He has a hardy breed of sheep which does not require much help with lambing. During the summer he also grazes beef cattle belonging to another farmer. In addition he and his wife, Beth, have another business which does hedging for other local farmers. Beth is an environmentalist and they take environmental considerations into account.

His plans for the farm are concentrated on improving the farm for the future and making a living - and enjoying themselves while they are doing it.

The changes to our climate are challenging all British farmers. One particular problem Ian has is that his farm stretches down to the local river, which floods the lowest field making it unsuitable for crops.

He is not directly affected by supermarkets’ efforts to reduce their costs by squeezing farmers. He sells his wheat to a local miller and his sheep to a local slaughterhouse.

He paid tribute to all the farmers who have farmed the land before him, including those who originally cleared the area for farming and laid the first ditches. Mindful of this very long heritage, he is determined to preserve the farm so it can be carried on by future generations. Nevertheless there will be changes to farming in order to cope with changing conditions.