Fowl pest

Farming is a constant battle against the weather, weeds and pests. Our farm is still very much a work in progress so we are still new to this conflict. We are approaching our third growing season and are trying hard to earn maximum income in the short and longer term from our land. It’s a constant challenge. The weather is unpredictable; the pests come in a variety of shapes and sizes from the small larval type to the increasingly large chickens that enter our property at will at the moment. Then there are the rats, bugs, fungi and soil deficiencies that we have to do battle with. It’s no wonder farming is such a stressful occupation.

I have had a lifelong aversion to birds. Whatever kind of phobia attaches to fear of being in a confined space with any type of bird I have it. I’m not at all keen on picking them up or handling them either. I would, despite this irrational fear, happily wreak havoc on the chicken population in our immediate vicinity as they have eaten all of the water melon seedlings that we planted behind our classrooms. It is, to say the least, infuriating. Our neighbours have a very negligent attitude to the management of livestock – especially goats and chickens. Protecting a crop against these pests is very challenging. We will have to have words with our immediate neighbour tomorrow about the damage her chickens have done. I have to say I’m not at all optimistic about the outcome. It is difficult to see what changes she can make that would solve the problem. I’m not really sure if our rights in a situation like this extend to impounding offending poultry. It would be a good way of building up our own flock.

These problems are not new to the farming community, so I’m sure that we will find solutions to them. As we gain more skill and experience running the farm we will, I’m sure, draw nearer to achieving our financial goals. In the meantime I think we might need to train the children in chicken scaring tactics and mount patrols!