Re-establishing links with the land

WHEN Rosie, a Tamworth sow, gave birth to 10 piglets and Bella, a Friesian cow, produced a fine bull calf at the Family Farm, in Dublin Zoo recently it made global news.

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.