Re-establishing links with the land
Celebrations followed; wonder of wonders for children, and some of their parents too.
All of which reminded us of how far people are removed from the land that reared generations of their forebears. Pets’ corners and displays of farm animals at public events, including agricultural shows, are becoming commonplace — objects of curiosity. Indeed.
Agri Aware has a programme for schools to educate pupils about animals, food production and basic farming. There are mobile farms doing the rounds to give children a close look at, and a chance to actually touch, animals.
That such things need to be done is a reflection of how much we have changed. Those of us who grew up in rural Ireland in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even more recently, had no need for that sort of curriculum. We lived with it day and night.
With an abundance of fully functioning bulls, boars and stallions in a small, close-knit area, it didn’t take long for young minds to work out where babies come from. You learned lots of other things as well, without realising it at the time.
If Jackson’s sow had bonhams (no fancy piglets then!), or one of Jim Thady Willie’s prized Kerry cows gave birth to a calf, it didn’t exactly set the whole village agog. It was just a normal part of life.
There was something uniquely primal and joyous about the smell in the air of a cowhouse in the moments following delivery of a calf. The magic of new life. It was likewise with a squealing litter of bonhams: you were taught to watch out for the runt to ensure it was allowed suckle the sow.
Often, the byres and stables adjoined the dwelling house — the rural version of semi-detached — or else were literally outside the back door.
Country people were then easily distinguishable from their urban cousins. Youngsters from ‘the sticks’ often felt inferior to the townies who, according to general opinion, knew more about everything.
But, moving into the teenage years, we learned that notion of superiority was a myth. The townies were not smarter than us: it was the other way round. Country children were not as streetwise, but they had a much more rounded education and outlook from observing the natural world around them.
Nowadays, farmers are a small minority in the countryside, surrounded by urban folk who have moved to the green pastures. The only bit of land these people have is the site of the house and many never actually set foot on a farm. Their children don’t really get a chance to experience the animal world. Therefore, it is necessary to have animal farms in zoos and an Agri Aware ‘mobile farms’ going around to schools and various events. A ‘mobile farm’ for the Munster area is managed by Claire Stack, from Midleton, Co Cork.
Described as an educational experience for non-farmers of all ages, it humanely transports farm animals, which children can feed and hold. Surveys show the reaction from primary teachers is almost 100% positive.
Many non-rural people have realised the dream of setting up home in the countryside and, in most cases, the experience is a happy one. However, tensions can arise, depending on the time of year and the type of work farming neighbours are doing.
If you can’t stomach farm odours, you’re better off in town. Because if you object to the foul air when slurry spreading is going on, relations will quickly sour with the local farmers. It’s best to shut the windows tight and put up with it in the knowledge that the stink lasts a short while.
If a farmer is driving his cows along the road as you happen to be rushing to work, just slow down, or stop. It only takes a few minutes for the animals to move off the road.
The farmer, his father, grandfather, and maybe even his great grandfather, have been driving cows along that same road for time immemorial, whilst you and your big car have just blown in. And, if you’re nice to him, he might invite you and the children onto the farm to enjoy what has become a rare experience for all too many people.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
