A Red Volvo.

In 1990, Paul Heiney took up traditional farming in Suffolk where he lives with his wife Libby Purves. For ten years he worked 36 acres with Suffolk Punch horses and no modern methods - such as artificial pesticides or fertilizers. He relied heavily on the experiences of the fast disappearing breed of men who had farmed the Suffolk soil in such a fashion.

He wrote a diary of his activities for The Times as well as a few television documentaries and several books which included "Farm Fatale" and "Second Harvest."
"Working the land", he said, "is about the people who labour on it, so I hope we capture some of the richness of character which defines the countrymen and women of the eastern counties. They remain, for me, farming heroes."

A few weeks ago, Libby, on her chat show, "Mid Week," recounted the story of the old cow man who advised her that, "You lift the cow's tail, and if she has a red Volvo, she's ready for the bull!"


I've just posted "Now This is Number Nine" from last Wednesday.