The Last Post ; Home again, wiser perhaps?

Frost on fences and grass up to about 1 metre high: a Richmond morning at -4.8 degrees
Thick frost carpeting the yard area at Richmond TAFE
The bleak outlook on the -4.8 degree morning at Richmond

Returning home to a colder than expected mid-winter with temperatures at Richmond at an all-time record low of -4.8 degrees has been quite an adjustment, especially after making a point of telling Europeans that we have 20 degree days in winter. Weather aside, I have been asked by many people to describe what I had seen and learnt during my study trip. Unfortunately most expect you to tell them in 25 words or less (unlikely for me) and glazing of their eyes generally indicates a drop in listening intensity shortly afterwards.

To briefly summarise my thoughts I will note what took my interest as being different, better, useful or noteworthy

• Awareness of alternative energy sources is much greater in both the farming community and general community in the places I visited. Wind and solar power systems are more widespread and more generally accepted that they are here. Government action to subsidise the purchase and installation of these systems has been needed, but it comes at a benefit to the country, not at a cost.
• The intensity of grain farming in the places I visited was greater than that practised here. The level of inputs (fertiliser, seed, sprays) is much higher, even in areas where nitrate loss into waterways is critical, but yields of over 8 tonnes per hectare in wheat are achieved. A less inconsistent climate helps, and lower evaporation rates and more effective rainfall contribute to the outcome.
• Animal production is quite similar to that practised here, allowing for the winter management of grazing animals. Growth rates are probably higher under their conditions in Europe as the provision of a balanced, grain-based diet is guaranteed under shedding in winter. Higher feed conversion ratios are expected under cooler European climates than in Australian conditions.
• There seems to be a greater value placed on the business of farming by the general community in England and Germany than perhaps is exhibited in Australia. Tradition has something to do with this attitude as well as the historical threats of starvation during times of major upheaval. The acceptance of living near a farm (if you are a villager or a town inhabitant) or of farming near a village or town (if you are a farmer) is at a higher level than that I see during my travels in Australia.
  
• Education of agriculture students at college and university level in England is relatively consistent with that in Australia. Greater emphasis on practical activities can be seen in some of the institutions I visited (Bicton College, Writtle College, Harper Adams) than in others (Royal Ag College, Otley College) but my deepest memory is of a comment made to me that agricultural education is "in a period of great churn at present". I would say that this reflects directly the position we are in at the TAFE level and the university level in our area.
• The system of planning for urban development in England is considerably different to that in NSW. An offer of land for development is made by a landholder in response to an expression of interest from the council. Resumption of land for development is a practice not often undertaken.
• How much of the differences I noted are due simply to the reason that England and Germany are mature societies rather than a still-growing society such as Australia I cannot determine. I'm sure if you live in a house next to a farmer's field, and your family has lived there for generations, then you are accepting of the situation.
• The presence of allotments in both England and Germany are intriguing and amusing. The English allotments were established on public land (near railways and parks) as part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign during WW2. It is reasonable to suggest that the German versions were established at the same time for a similar (if differently named) purpose. People erect sheds and flagpoles and establish a home away from home as an escape from life, work and family members. I might suggest that there will be fewer English and German flags fluttering in the breeze now than during my visit in May and June. In Australia our housing generally allowed for a garden of some sort (flowers, vegetables) in our yard rather than seeking another place to dig and scratch. Newer trends in housing might indicate a need for the provision of allotments in Australian subdivisions in the future.
• My final report on my study tour will be made from a close edit of the words included in this blog. Distilling 3000 words for the report from more than 12000 already written will be a task of Herculean proportions. I would appreciate any hints, help or advice that anyone might suggest, that is if anyone is still reading or listening. Anyone, anyone......??!