That Wandering Farmer

The Journey so far

Written by –That Wandering Farmer

Approaching the halfway mark in my 2 year placement here at Old Plaw Hatch Farm, the coming of the shorter days have allowed me to reflect on what has been a hell of a ride this past year. 

   Since arriving at the farm in November 2022 I have observed the health and wellbeing of the animals on Plaw Hatch Farm and how many of which are incredibly charismatic, stand-out individuals who are instrumental to the success of this farm. This is also reflective of all the Farm Team. I am simply honoured to be able to work with and learn from such individuals, 4 legged and 2.  

There are many moments along this journey that I’d like to share. 

Sundays allow me to take our Volunteers out to see the off-site areas that we farm, to visit the sheep flock and “Flerd” that they wouldn’t often get to see during the normal working week. This gives me an opportunity to share the enjoyment in being with our Flock and having some company that you don’t often get when out in the fields. 

   This past summer was unfathomably wet for the most part; when day-break was just around the corner, the cows didn’t seem to mind the horizontal rain nor would they rush for the Farm Apprentice with his head torch, grass up to his knees, already soaked to the bone and it’s not even 5am yet, saying to them in a gentle voice: “Come on then”. 

Alas! It be milking time… 

   During those adverse conditions collecting the cows, which happened more than once I can assure you, I would often smile to myself and in my head say “I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else in the word right now”, than in that field as I ask the cows to come with me.  

I meant it. Call me crazy? I call it grounding. 

   As Movember is upon us, still waiting for my moustache to grow on the 15th day, I see no better time to talk about men’s mental health, its relationship with farming and how it has affected me. 

   I did not make my industry change over a year ago as a solution to ridding me of my struggle with mental health. I did it to follow a dream, with a passion for good quality food and trying to facilitate creating a more harmonious world. However, during my relatively short time here, my wellbeing and sense of connection to the world has greatly increased. 

   Farming is no 9-5 job, it comes with hardships and struggles, which were a challenge I had to face on-top of my anxiety. I went through places of self-doubt and the continuity of my depression that I have lived alongside for so many years. I can tell you now with conviction of the benefits of putting something before you and how it drives change from within.  

   When I come across Animals that need love, care and attention before me, it empowers me to navigate my emotional health which has been a key turning point in ending my prescription medication and finalising my counselling sessions.  

   So creds to the Dairy herd who keep me on my toes, as mighty as they may be, they’re the real managers here. They will not be rushed into the milking parlour, they will be selective on where they eat, what cluster they will be milked from and they will jostle for the prime sleeping location at the end of the day. I’d honestly rather cross our amazing shop manager Jenny than cross one of Plawhatch’s cows. Sorry Jenny. 

Here’s to more life

–That Wandering Farmer