Sixteenth Call, UK

      While taking a stroll through England, Farmer Tom took the time to speak about what he does and was eager to answer our questions. He whistled for his dogs to come over, and they did as such. He also showed us his sheep, revealing that he is indeed a sheepherder. He has about 100 farms north of London, describing the landscape as very flat; a bit hillier going west. He has about 500 sheep which he mainly sells to the market; some going to the local butcher. Wheat goes directly to the mill, and other products, such as grains and barley, generally go directly to factories to be manufactured into beer and other commodities. He shared that it was about 40 degrees fahrenheit in the morning, explaining that the sheep enjoy the cold weather. In 1960 the population was about 200, due to the Enclosure Act relocating farmers, but as of now it is about 60. GMOs are something Europeans are very adamantly against. Farmer Tom is not allowed to grow GMO products on his farms. He said that it may well change with Brexit since it is against EU law, and though he thinks it will cause a lot of issues, he believes it is likely to happen. Farmer Tom's farm is mechanized as much as he can possibly make it because he needs to make it as efficient as he can, which is what he describes as precision farming. He believes soil is a key factor to look after, sharing that he uses a system called minimal tillage, with the idea that the soil is left untouched as much as possible. He makes sure that his soil remains saturated with nutrients by letting soil that is used for planting be washed and blown away with the changing of each season, and then new seeds are planted and soil is put back to cover it; this is commonly known as crop rotation. He also believes this is about to be the time of the Second Agricultural Revolution.
      The students were very intrigued with the discussion. One asked how climate affected the harvest of crops. Farmer Tom described the different types of climates in different areas, but answered that he can still grow seeds in colder, dryer, or wetter climates. He provided us with information on how the EU and how it provides support to farmers. Farmers get cheaper food, but 20% of their payment comes from the way they manage their environment. He said the EU is planning on keeping food cheap, possibly creating more natural environments, and having visitors come for the betterment of their mental health.
      To finish off, Farmer Tom went on to tell us how women largely make up the agricultural society. He spoke on the fact that he celebrated International Women's Day, and revealed that there is a plan to have classes team up with a farmer on a call, talk about topics such as the Enclosure Act, and observe the youth's reaction. Of course, the last thing discussed was his dog, Gatsby, and the conversation ended with receiving Farmer Tom's social media.