Farming thoughts as the smallholding carries on

Agricultural journalist, and machinery writer Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world.

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I'm always so relieved when we pass the shortest day because after that, if January and February, and sometimes March bring harsh weather it is just a few short months as we head towards the spring. I think that all smallholders and gardeners will relate to this.

For me 2026 has started with a few changes, I've returned to agricultural journalism, having actually started out as a machinery writer over 20 years ago. I'll still be writing, attending agricultural shows and reporting for various publications, including The Country Smallholder, but no longer a magazine editor.

I've also taken the family farm in hand, albeit with help from my friends and family. My late husband and I farmed just under 50 acres, often seen as the upper limit to be classified as a smallholding, and I'm planning to carry on myself. Currently the grazing is let on a short term agreement and although I have no idea what the future holds I do love living in the south Warwickshire countryside and I'm looking forward to the summer, haymaking, visiting friends and family and going to our local shows. I would add that more than six months after Stephen's death the silence is no longer deafening.

IDEAS FROM YOU ARE WELCOME

I'm also very pleased to be able to continue with my columns for this magazine, I hope our readers enjoy them and if any of you have anything you'd like covering in a future column please do contact me care of the editor Liz Wright.