Z1205/004

Male farmer b. 08.01.1942 Son of 003 summarises farming developments both on Marsh Leys Farm, Wootton, and generally in the Marston Vale area, over the post-war years - the last 50 years of the twentieth century. He was born in 1942 and began active farming in the 1960s. References to increased mechanisation, the moves from outdoor animal rearing to indoor, "battery" farming, cows, pigs, hens, changes in desirable arable crops, milk and egg production, limited forestry (poplar trees intended for matchstick making), Italian (brickworkers) labour for seasonal work. Crops mentioned: wheat, barley, broad beans, "field" beans, brussel sprouts, sugar beet, potatoes, oil seed rape. Discussion of problems for farmers & government / European Union Common Agricultural Policy, grants and subsidies, high post-war status of farmers, subsequent decline in farm incomes, fewer farms, fewer farm workers, specialist instead of general mixed farms, diversification into non-farming activities, e.g. bed & breakfast accommodation, in order to survive and support their families. Selling off land for housing development.- SIDE A (00 mins)Marsh Leys Farm, Wootton during 1940s, 1950s, 1960s Dairy farming; egg production; pigs Move from outdoor to indoor production (5 mins)Hen farming; egg production; broad beans; Italian POWs; brussell sprouts (including harsh winter working conditions);potatoes (10 mins)Buying other farms in Beds, including Manor Farm, Brogborough in1990s; falling status of farming; development of forest areas through Marston Vale Community Forest; aborted poplar tree "farming" for match-stick production (15 mins)Importance of farming, post-war; increased mechanisation; emphasis on grain production (20 mins)Development of "battery" poultry farming; diversification of farms; "bed and breakfast" (25 mins)Selling off farm for redevelopment ; European Common Agricultural Policy; growing imports of vegetable from abroad; oil seed rape production; commercial pheasant shooting (32 mins)End of interview Original interview30 mins

22 March 2001

From: 1940 To: 2001

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Marsh Leys Farm, animals, farmer, market gardening, dairy, Italians, prisoners of war, Brogborough Manor Farm, poultry, shooting, lodging houses, crops, trees, WOOTTON, MARSTON MORETAINE, STEWARTBY