Jon checking some of the Longhorn cows in their winter quarters.

Last night's edition of Countryfile made us all unbearably sad as the programmed highlighted the tenth anniversary of the devastating foot and mouth epidemic of 2001.

I lived through the trauma at very close quarters in my previous farming life in Northumberland and documented the epidemic in a diary for a national newspaper as Sarah Walton.

It was therefore incredibly painful to be reminded of the heinous waste of healthy animals and the total mismanagement of the tragic epidemic. We should also never forget the terrible fallout on people and businesses, both in the rural and tourist sector. Even this morning I still feel out of sorts, I think in all honesty I'd prefer not to be reminded.

The best website for all information about foot and mouth disease and other animal diseases such as bluetongue and bovine TB is run voluntarily by Mary Critchley at www.warmwell.com .

I recommend you visit Warmwell and we await next week's Countryfile programme where they aim to discuss how any future outbreaks may be dealt with. It should be interesting. Let's hope they have the right ideas this time, based on science, and that in our lifetimes we never see the like of it again.

The Offley Tundra

The ram lambs having some hay this morning after further snow last night. We are preparing ourselves and the animals for the long winter ahead and planning for contingencies.

At least, thanks to Jon's careful planning, we do have plenty of feed stocks. However winter has started early and we do not want another slow cold spring as it is hard on the animals and also on the people looking after them.

The TV says Luton airport is having delays. When the airport has delays, or is shut, you know that means life at Offley Hoo is a bit more challenging than usual. However Scotland and the North East have had a lot more snow and once upon a time that was normal, even for this time of the year. So perhaps the climate is changing back to colder winters? Who knows. It certainly makes for lots of news coverage and column inches!