Gold in those Bottles.

 

Farm diversification is certainly one of those buzz terms at the moment. BBC NI have screened two series of Nick Hewer's "Farm Fixer," which tackles this very topic.

 

Diversification is I think a good idea, but if farms are not to become theme parks and yet further venues for the sale of coffee the diversification must be of a truly agricultural nature. That is what has happened at the Kane's Broglasco Farm at Myroe Limavady in the shadow of Binevenagh. In little more than seven years the Kane family have developed a very viable business producing rapeseed oil from what was previously a cattle feed crop. Availing of the history of the nearby Broighter Gold find in 1896 and naming their product , "Broighter Gold," has been a contributing factor to their success. This has been a true story of sustainable agricultural diversification.

Building on the success of the original, "Broighter Gold," oil the Kane family have recently produced various types of infused oil, including basil and chilli. I suspect that their sampler pack will figure on the Christmas list of many score of Northern Ireland's gourmets - and gourmands.

http://www.broightergold.co.uk/contact-us.html

 

Donkey Serenade

I don't suppose that very many of those who, "happen upon," this post will know of or have heard of, "The Donkey Serenade." To me it did seem an obvious title, but I suppose that is because I grew up watching grainy musicals on the very small box in the drawing room. No glorious technicolor then and just about a choice of stations. It wasn't that long after the everyday story of country folk had experienced the death of Grace Archer. Another reference to something which will mean nothing to most people!

 

I have always liked donkeys. The fine specimens in the above photo are kept by a farmer a few miles from where I live. He presently has four donkeys as well as a Shetland pony and foal.

 

My maternal grandfather bought me a donkey when I was about three. This was kept at his farm and every week I would inspect my donkey and be led around on it. Unfortunately my grandfather's ill health and subsequent demise meant that my first and largest pet had to be disposed of. The farm suffered the same fate. I often play the, "what if," game. What if my grandfather hadn't suffered ill health and died at what now seems the very early age of sixty five? Would he have kept the farm? Would I have been gently introduced to the notion of taking over his farm? I suspect so, but I will never know.

 

Kids Meal

Tonight's munchies included a kiddy food. Not alphabet spaghetti, nor indeed the favoured repast of Mr Fields, but rather baby goat roast. This was purchased from Mr Charlie Cole of, "Broughgammon," at a Country Market. Charlie was one of the individuals featured in the, "Farm Fixer," series presented by Nick Hewer.

The meat is being marketed as a substitute for lamb but with less fat. I have to say it did taste very lamb like although the meat was perhaps slightly darker in colour. A very personable chappie is Charlie and I suspect that his produce may be popped into the trusty aga in the future. Bleeting marvellous it was!