18/06/2026
A big talking point?
Farmers have always been changing how they work and responding to weather, climate and policy, but like any business they need stability in order to plan. They also have BIG machinery which can seemingly destroy 'wildlife' in moments.
What do you think?
"Opinion: When will they learn that farmers need to be a part of the discussion - not just given the order?
Livestock specialist Katie Fallon discusses the need for retailers to collaborate with farmers on big decisions," reads the headline on a Farmers Guardian article (9th June). And most of us would totally agree that the pressure on yield versus the demands of supermarket buyers is cruel, unnecessary and unsustainable.
Farmers need to be part of the discussion on the ecosystem, too. Unfortunately big business has had a hand in selling its wares to the detriment of everything living, and we don't need to look far to see that obsession with profit is doing seriously nasty things to our planetary stability.
I have received emails from landowners who want to make a difference in the way they manage hedgerows, and contractors who want to know what they can do without going against the wishes of their clients. Many more come from concerned people watching unspeakable acts with tractor blades. Just being here, talking about this, is making a difference. The Likes and Shares you kindly provide have let people gain trust in being open and frank about this dire situation and its horrific consequences.
Last week a tract of roadside verge that already had a neat border of short grass for walkers to step onto was subjected to deep flail treatment, destroying thousands of plants providing food and shelter for insects and other creatures. Since many verges in our area have been largely left to grow this summer, the demolition of this stretch of critical habitat outside my house does make me wonder if it's personal - but then, many of you have seen similar heartbreaking happenings on your own patch.
Please make room for discussion ahead of destruction. When common sense prevails, positive things persist. There is no doubt that more of the farming community want to work with the land instead of against it, and there is time for recovery even if that time is finite. The important thing is to take responsibility for ourselves, and not rely on governments to give the orders.
Time has brought us all to a crossroads, and we have to make critical choices based on more than money.
National Farmers Union Nature Friendly Farming Network
Image credit CPRE Lancashire
