Butterfly

Last night watched a TV programme about the alarming fall in the numbers of insects caused by our modern form of agriculture which I must stress is a largely a result of us consumers demands for cheap food.

However I think far too little is invested by the powers that be - from the EU in Brussels to the local Bavarian State agricultural government departments to inform and financially encourage farmers to think beyond their ..... well I don't really know what drives many. Is it their bank balances - I suspect that is reason #1 and I quite understand. However it has so often been shown that their are "organic" or better environmentally friendly methods that indeed seemingly cost more bur ultimately produce the same profit. You do though need to think long term and consider what benefits your fields and crops are getting.

Obviously the bee population was mentioned but far more was stressed of the insects in general particularly butterflies. No insects then no birds, no bats, no mice, no pollination ,,,,,,,, and that's that.

Very depressing in our part of the world which prides/markets itself on grass meadows for the natural milk, cheese and dairy products, is no better than the arable fields. In fact meadows is a totally wrong description - they are no more than arable fields planted with grass. Apart from the dandelions in spring, you won't see a single proper wild flower - clover is added to the grass seed and while useful is not able to provide the diversity our insect world needs.

Enough ranting again - evening walk with Flash and we spotted this Case tractor with Claas butterfly mowers doing what will be the last cut of the year. It will probably be used as silage. As we got in the car and drove home, one of the very few farmers around here that still mows and feeds it fresh to his Limousin herd.

I had actually taken several photos of the Ammer mountain range of the Alps (Garmisch Partenkirchen/Zugspitze) which were shining in the glow of the evening sun. Thanks to the wonderful weather that arrived today and is set to stay at least throughout the weekend, everyone's spirits are lifted and the farmers happy to have a dry spell. With luck framer Franz will be coming in the next few days to collect our horse manure and spread it on his harvested maize fields. And the worms there will love the fresh food, our worms may not be too pleased.

Oh & today's Blip counts as a "Tractor Tuesday" Blip as yesterday's World Dog Day has precedence.