From a Time Warp

Here is my very first Farmers Guardian blog, first published on the 18th October 2006 (oh the naivety!):

 

My first sheep have arrived. Admittedly there are only 10 ewes and a tup, but they are a start.

There is a long way to go, but these are my first steps of a massive career change, away from the comforts of a guaranteed monthly income and towards being a farmer.

Having spent many years both studying and working at universities, my current career of Cancer research scientist has recently been losing its appeal. The insecurity of the research grant system meant that you can only plan your life in 2-3 year blocks. Not particularly appealing when you have a wife and a young daughter. So after much thought, I took the decision to follow a long-held dream and become a sheep farmer.

I suppose that the current state of the farming industry does not really recommend it as a career with major prospects, but I hope that with a fresh approach and lots of hard work, it should work for us.

I started laying the ground work some time ago, helping a local sheep farmer with lambing, shearing and all of the other (frequently messy) tasks that are so necessary. I began reading all of the DEFRA publications, and trying to untangle the Byzantine regulations. I contacted every organization with sheep, organic or farming in their title, and many more besides. I stacked hay bales and pulled ragwort.

In short, I tried to expose myself to as much of the farming necessities as possible. I also slightly changed my university job to allow a three-day week, giving myself that extra farming time while guaranteeing an income.