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Tattie Time
With October well underway, cereal harvest is finished on most farms by now, so those growing potatoes can get busy harvesting them. At one time this job coincided with the school tattie holidays in October, so that vast armies of casual labour and school children could be used to hand-lift the tatties. As with most jobs in farming, machines have taken over and large tractor operated or self-propelled potato harvesters are now the norm.
At one time nearly every farm would grow a small amount of potatoes, but over time, the large investment in machinery needed to grow the crops has meant that potato growing has become the preserve of a few specialist growers.
The large acreages grown by each grower also require specialist storage. Insulated storage sheds are now used to ensure that the valuable potato crop is stored in perfect condition until ready for sale. Potatoes growers have, in recent times, been better than most farmers at getting closer to the end user, and having more control of their markets. Farmer-controlled pack houses and grading facilities give them the chance to supply direct to supermarkets and other retail outlets.
During the summer, potato crops also benefit greatly from being irrigated if it is a dry growing season. Not all fields, however, are near a suitable large stream or river. I was recently asked why a farmer was irrigating his potatoes in late September after the shaws had been burnt off and the potatoes were ready for harvest. The reason, believe it or not, is that the ground was too dry!
As potatoes pass through a harvester, a certain amount of soil has to travel with them to act as a cushion between the metal parts of the harvester and the soft skin of the potato. Too little soil results in a high level of bruising damage, so irrigation before lifting allow them to get on with harvesting rather than waiting for autumn rain to start, which may then never stop. The end result is high value crops out of the ground at just the right time. Next time you buy a bag of tatties, spare a thought for all the hard work and careful planning that goes in to making sure they reach the shop shelf in A1 condition.
Ploughing Match
After all the potatoes are harvested, ploughing for the next crop is the usual task. The skill of the ploughman is alive and well in Highland Perthshire and will be on show for all to see at the Atholl & Breadalbane Ploughing Society Annual Ploughing Match on the 5 November at the Mill of Logierait Farm. Horse ploughing and tractor ploughing will be on show with both young and old tractors and ploughmen competing for top honours.
Catering will be available on the field and there will also be plenty people on hand to explain the finer points of the ploughman’s art. No one competing goes home empty handed as the list of prizes up for grabs is truly mindboggling.
As well as all the ploughing prizes for the neatest and straightest furrows, there’s the ploughman’s race, handsomest ploughman, oldest tractor, furthest travelled to name but a few. As with most events on the agricultural calendar, it wouldn’t happen with out a lot of behind the scenes work from a dedicated committee and some very generous sponsorship from local companies.
Before you let your fireworks off on the 5 November, go along to the Mill of Logierait Farm and support the local ploughmen.
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