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Post by swerve9031 on Mar 11, 2007 13:44:21 GMT
Having lived in a country town for longer than I care to admit, I recently moved out to the real countryside.
7 miles to a main road, mainly on a single track road, great biking road except for one reason. The farmer who farms most of the fields along the road will not clear up after himself. Hw drives his tractor and spreader as if he owns the road, straight out of the fields carrying all sorts of nasties on his wheels and deposits it on the road surface. In 10 months he has never made any attempt to sweep the road and leaves traffic to disperse the mud, of course just two narrow stripes of tarmac with stones left in the middle.
The local County Council will not deal with it as they say it's a Police matter, well they are too busy with Radar Guns and Cameras to worry about my safety on the road.
Yesterday my Partner had occasion to meet the guy, who drove past a suitable passing place, despite being able to see her. A stand off ensued with her sitting there and eventually the farmer got out of his tractor and threatened to punch her.
I am wondering if there are any members on here with similar experiences. I appreciate he has to work the fields but his totally unreasonable attitude is getting beyond a joke
Peter
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 14:32:38 GMT
If you don't like MUD on the roads don't move to the country.
People like you make me sick! You move out into the sticks, pushing up house prices so the people who growup there have to move away cos they can't afford to stay. then once you've got your fat rich back side plocked in a £500.000 pound house you start moaning about the farmers leaving mud on the road.
Well here's a news flash for you! The farmers were leaving mud on the road long before you got there and they'll be doing it long after you leave to go back to these ugly suburbs that I'm stuck in.
Mud, the smell of silage and the noise of farm animals are all part of the countryside. Learn to live with it or ship out pal!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2007 15:23:11 GMT
Surely Jeepster you're not condoning farmers leaving roads in a dangerous state deliberately, Against the Law. Having lived on a farm for many years, until I moved into a village last year, I can see things from both sides of the argument. The farmer obviously does need to work and nobody is suggesting he clears up as he goes but would it really hurt to sweep the road once in a while. Threatening a woman is another matter this particular individual is obviously objectionable.
As an aside anyone can buy a house anywhere they can afford, obviously country people sold at inflated prices in the first place. Blame them if you must but it's a free market.
Dunc
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 15:44:42 GMT
So how exactly is farmer supposed to clean the road, Oh yeah I forgot all farmers have a road sweeper hidden away behind the barn! I've had to ride muddy roads for years and never complained, especially in the autumn and early winter. it's just the way it is, bikes are a minority transport option. GET USED TO IT. I have!
Yes anyone can buy a house where they like, but why do city highflyers have to buy a house in the country, thus pushing house prices up in rural areas, then moan about the roads. I can barely afford the snotty little shoebox i've got let alone a house in the area where I grew up and still work.
Oh and I wonder why the farmer was being objectionable. perhaps he's fedup with blowins moaning about the mud on the roads, the smell of manure, the sound of cattle and noise of tractors, after all the locals accept all these things as of part of the countryside that still makes a proud part of this once proud nation.
I hate living in the city but I have no choice. don't buy an expensive house in the country and moan to me about it.
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Post by swerve9031 on Mar 11, 2007 18:08:33 GMT
Yes,
I have a choice where I live, but this guys is just a total pain in the backside.
Much is made of road safety these days if it rains on top of the slick he has left on the road it will be like an ice rink. This guy totally refuses to clear up after himself, If I come off my bike because of his ignorant and selfish attitude I will be sorely tempted to sue the pants off him.
No of course I don't expect him to clear up every time, once in a while is enough.
But that doesn't help anyone else why should one selfish guy affect so many people?
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 18:59:18 GMT
I don't think you realise just what is involved in cleaning up a road. From what I can gather so far, it's a single track road. most single track roads have a high spot in the centre, if he tried to use a bucket and loader to scrape up the mess he'd take half the road with him, the council would love that! So that leaves putting at least 3 men on the job, one driving the tractor and 2 shoveling mud into the bucket, the cost alone is prohibative. and what about vehicles coming along the road and want to get by.
Actually working on the road raises Health & Saftey issues, he'd have to supply hi vis jackets ect, not to mention all the other red tape and road signs that go with it. what you're asking is unreasonable.
It's down to choices at the end of the day, he has no choice but to use that road with a tractor and machinery, you do have a choice.
Ride through the mud or use a car.
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Post by swerve9031 on Mar 11, 2007 19:14:45 GMT
Jeepster, You are obviously not understanding my point in posting this item, and I will not get into a slanging match with you, other than to say I have as much right to use the road as he does, on my bike or in a car and I feel the responsibility is on him to keep it in a safe condition.
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Post by Fiasco on Mar 11, 2007 20:44:36 GMT
I like Farmers that run farms very much [1] Farmer Giles on the other hand can be a pain in the arse Dave ;D [1] Think you must have a bad one there Peter, most of the farmers I have met have been really nice laid back people. Maybe he plays too many computer games !
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 20:49:34 GMT
No I think Swerve has got farmers back up and now he's digging his heels in.
I've got an idea, Swerve you should go and see the farmer and offer to help with the cleanup, perhaps that way you might both understand each other a bit better.
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Post by General Gman on Mar 11, 2007 21:19:28 GMT
Farmers ? that'd be the backward hicks who leave diesel slicks all over the roads because they can't be arsed to maintain equipment properly, the same idiots who think because they have a tractor / harvester / other huge piece of motorised machinery they don't need to look before pulling out of a side turning. I don't like the way that people buy second homes in villages and price out the locals either, but If you can afford a flat in a city, you can buy a place in the cuds. As for them being there before the incomers, well perhaps someone should tell ole farmer giles that foxes were there bofore him, and he should secure his chickens better instead of killing an animal that's just acting on instinct. Bugrem all
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Post by beeblemaster on Mar 11, 2007 21:36:16 GMT
Farmerpf, don't read this... it don't apply to you
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 21:37:43 GMT
Spoken as only the truly ignorant can!
Whoops there we go again! I live in the suburbs £150,000 don't get you much in the southwest!
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Nomad
Boy Racer
Posts: 188
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Post by Nomad on Mar 11, 2007 21:39:22 GMT
Was up in Buith Wells , Brecon Beacons , South wales Borderer's Museum area, following a farmer with his tractor trailer outfit, dropping stuff over the road . Then I realized he was dropping my dinner on the floor so stopped & picked up as much as I could carry , I had a brill fry up nosh buckshee that night . Since then I slow down behind farm outfits to check out a possible freeby
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 21:52:59 GMT
Atleast you're on the housing market Jeepster...I'm now single so the chance of getting a mortgage is nil....I'll never own my own home. As for farmers....they provide a service to this country, as we all do....so its about time we all live with each other and respect one another! I ain't gonna say anymore cos I might start happy slappin..lol!
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Post by General Gman on Mar 11, 2007 21:59:06 GMT
Spoken as only the truly ignorant can! Whoops there we go again! I live in the suburbs £150,000 don't get you much in the southwest! Ignorant ? so you live in the suburbs and know all about the countryside, and I live in it (and have done for 34 of my 38 years) and I'm ignorant ? .....and £150,000 buys a hell of a lot less in Vodafone Valley .... but you can get a house in a village for the same price as a house in the town round here
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Post by jeepster1 on Mar 11, 2007 22:09:58 GMT
Judgejools. At last the voice of reason, I really feel for you as had my wife and I not got on the housing market 11yrs ago we'd never be able too, as it is we cannot afford move up or down.
I think farmers get a raw deal from those that don't know enough about what they do and the pressures they are under. Somone needs to fight their corner.
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Post by General Gman on Mar 11, 2007 22:13:17 GMT
Judgejools. At last the voice of reason, I really feel for you as had my wife and I not got on the housing market 11yrs ago we'd never be able too, as it is we cannot afford move up or down. I think farmers get a raw deal from those that don't know enough about what they do and the pressures they are under. Somone needs to fight their corner. JJ the voice of reason ? ..... that's desperation talking....
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 22:18:03 GMT
Right, I'm tired...11 hours on the Postcombe run today...so I'm feeling feisty!!
Swerve - sorry hun, you're in the Country, its life, get over it....in fact, have a nice chat with the farmer and you may be able to come to some agreement. As for your missus...if I'd been in her shoes I'd have laid the farmer out for threatening me...but that's just me...and I'm sure he'd have respected me more for it....cos that's countryside life!
Jeepster - Don't get nasty with Swerve the way you did....you're entitled to your opinion but I can't help thinkin there's an ulterior motive........oh hang on...my mind, although knackered can recall some images....hhhmmmm....Jeepster tearing up the countryside in a 4x4 all in the name of sport. A townie person's hobby in the countryside, what joy. My mum lives in the countryside and lives harmoniously with the farmers. And funnily enough, the farmers and people like my mum stand together when some eejit from the town/suburbs decides to abuse the area for their 'hobby'!
Guys, you're both making a mountain out of a mole hill....the only person you should all respect and bow down to is Mother Nature and the animals that actually own the land...they were here long before us and no doubt they'll out live the human race as we're to pent up to live together.
Take a leaf out of my book...Get over it and live together!!
Jools (One knackered biyatch on her monthly!!)
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 22:26:51 GMT
Judgejools. At last the voice of reason, I really feel for you as had my wife and I not got on the housing market 11yrs ago we'd never be able too, as it is we cannot afford move up or down. I think farmers get a raw deal from those that don't know enough about what they do and the pressures they are under. Somone needs to fight their corner. JJ the voice of reason ? ..... that's desperation talking.... Thanks...lol!
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 22:29:10 GMT
Sounds like jeepster seems to have his head so far up his own rectum tonight!!! Maybe he got his 4x4 stuck in there as well! Sorry Jeepster...I did warn you I was knackered and surfin!!
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 22:30:54 GMT
Oh and Jeepster, thanks for the vote of confidence by calling me the voice of reason....but I don't think any bloke would listen to me normally!
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Post by Fiasco on Mar 11, 2007 23:02:57 GMT
Right, I'm tired...11 hours on the Postcombe run today...so I'm feeling feisty!! Swerve - sorry hun, you're in the Country, its life, get over it....in fact, have a nice chat with the farmer and you may be able to come to some agreement. As for your missus...if I'd been in her shoes I'd have laid the farmer out for threatening me...but that's just me...and I'm sure he'd have respected me more for it....cos that's countryside life! Jeepster - Don't get nasty with Swerve the way you did....you're entitled to your opinion but I can't help thinkin there's an ulterior motive........oh hang on...my mind, although knackered can recall some images....hhhmmmm....Jeepster tearing up the countryside in a 4x4 all in the name of sport. A townie person's hobby in the countryside, what joy. My mum lives in the countryside and lives harmoniously with the farmers. And funnily enough, the farmers and people like my mum stand together when some eejit from the town/suburbs decides to abuse the area for their 'hobby'! Guys, you're both making a mountain out of a mole hill....the only person you should all respect and bow down to is Mother Nature and the animals that actually own the land...they were here long before us and no doubt they'll out live the human race as we're to pent up to live together. Take a leaf out of my book...Get over it and live together!! Jools (One knackered biyatch on her monthly!!) Can we call you Jools Luther King ?? Superb speech Jools ;D [1] Dave ;D [1] Doesn't mean I agree, disagree or can't make my mind up on any of the opinions expressed !
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 11, 2007 23:20:32 GMT
Thanks Dave....nice to see you appreciate my talent at last....for speakin carp!! LOL!!
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Post by grafe on Mar 12, 2007 3:47:51 GMT
Aaaaahhhhh!! The great City V Country Divide. What we do in Australia to combat this confrontationalism is arrange a yearly Rugby League match of City V Country. This allows the assigned protagonists to beat the living Bejesus out of each other for 80 minutes to loud cheering, taunts and jibes from both sides. This makes everybody feel much better!! The players also enjoy it immensely. ;D
The city v country abyss is alive and well all over the world. I grew up in a small rural town but we also had a 3000 acre mixed farm (sheep, cattle and wheat). About 10 of the 25 kids in my class at school were from farms so I feel I can comment on both sides.
The problem is stereotyping and ignorance. By and large city people have no concept whatsoever of what life on the land is like. Thats not their fault....they are just ignorant of the facts. Most farmers by the same token are a little more worldly wise.....they have to be in order to survive in the world of big business.
To give an example : I stopped at a mates place in Central Queensland last year to visit. He has about 20,000 acres of good grazing land for cattle with a river running through it. His grandfather took up the land about 20 years after the first white explorers went through the area. My mate is 70. He never went to a normal school. He and a few others in the district were schooled in his house and the schoolteacher paid for by the families.
The farm improvements are many. 3 1000 ft bores have been sunk on the property to tap artesian water for dams...these were done in the 1920s. You can imagine the amount of fencing that is entailed on this property to divide it up into roughly 1000 acre paddocks. There are also numerous wooden and metal stockyards, shelters, cattle drenching facilities, roads, troughs, sheds and outbuildings. He also has irrigation and water piping to all the paddocks. He also grows his own feed for supplemental feeding or in times of drought. He leaves 3000 acres aside for this. He has millions of dollars tied up in machinery. Bulldozer, Combine Harvester, 4wd Tractors, Feed dispensers, motorbikes, horses, dogs, Ploughs and associated seeding machinery, scales, 4wds, Storage Silos, welders, pumps for the bores and irrigation equipment. Computers, monitoring and CCTV systems.
This man can tell how much weight his cattle are putting on each week, what paddocks they are in , when they need drenching, what sort of drenching they have had, illnesses, what treatment, what their bloodlines are, how much water is going to each area or rain has fallen, whether an individual is doing poorly. Its all monitored by computer and electronics.
He sells his cattle to Japan and its a farm gate to door policy....everything must be trackable, monitored and recorded. If its not done properly the ramifications for the Australian beef industry is enormous. He has 12000 head of cattle.
He is 70...his two sons have properties next to him...part of the original larger property. He basically runs the show, with his wife, and getting in the necessary workers for mustering, drenching etc etc. I helped him with the feeding when I was there. Between us we put out over 20 tons of feed in the week....If I hadn't been there he would have done it by himself. He has seen enormous changes in his life and has adapted to them. If he hadn't the family farm would have gone down the gurgler. 50 years ago 30 farm workers were quartered on this property, now there are none.
When he drives he wears his hat
There is a saying in Australia that if you see someone driving in the country wearing a hat .....LOOK OUT!! ( He's probably wondering about the stock price).
My point is this : City people can stereotype farmers and graziers as country hicks.....they are not and they have had to adapt to change much more so than city people.
Country people get really p*##ed of with city people for the obvious stereotyping that goes on.
Both need to cross the divide and get on together with a bit more understanding.........and milk doesn't just come out of a carton and meat in plastic packets!!!!!
....and I shot a big black boar at 8am down by the river one morning when we were combining fishing and work, just happened to have the 22/250 in the truck! ;D Their called Captain Cooks over here because he let them go wild on his sojourn so he could have a food source when the rest of the Brits came....they then reverted back to their natural strain.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2007 9:30:44 GMT
Jeepster
Don't know what your real problem is here but house prices are rising nationally and Rural house prices are bound by the same rules as anywhere else. If it is a desirable area then it will become more expensive. Had you been in a position to buy a house before your home area boomed then you would be sitting on a great investment and, I suspect, far happier with your lot. The City buyers clamouring for your property would then be welcomed by you and you would be in a better position to buy elsewhere. If you are unhappy working in the area you work in then get something nearer where you live. If you need to retrain then do so. Life is full of choices, City people are exercising theirs by choosing country life. Haven't heard anyone here complaining about country smells, sound of cattle, or tractors. The complaint is about lack of consideration for other road users. Don't see why you think you should have a right to live in the area you were brought up in, or why you see the need to.
Dunc.
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Post by m40man on Mar 12, 2007 9:41:01 GMT
Jools...
"....the only person you should all respect and bow down to is Mother Nature and the animals that actually own the land...they were here long before us and no doubt they'll out live the human race as we're to pent up to live together."
........... By 'animals' I'm guessing you mean the bunnies, mice & so. Surely not the sheep, cows, pigs & other livestock - which did not graze in their fields before humans bred them & penned them in to exploit them for their own ends.
This systematic exploitation over the years is entirely consistent with the display of such diametrically opposed opinions as witnessed on this thread. We live in an intolerent World of 'me,me,me' individuals who might all improve our collective lot by adopting more conciliatory postures. Become a vegetarian & encourage farmers & bikers to hug.
Peace & Love.
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Post by Dame judgejools44 on Mar 12, 2007 9:48:30 GMT
LOL Martin....yeah I meant the 'proper' native animals to the UK!
You're right....make love not war!! Hehehe!
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Post by General Gman on Mar 12, 2007 9:59:33 GMT
Jools... "....the only person you should all respect and bow down to is Mother Nature and the animals that actually own the land...they were here long before us and no doubt they'll out live the human race as we're to pent up to live together." ........... By 'animals' I'm guessing you mean the bunnies, mice & so. Surely not the sheep, cows, pigs & other livestock - which did not graze in their fields before humans bred them & penned them in to exploit them for their own ends. This systematic exploitation over the years is entirely consistent with the display of such diametrically opposed opinions as witnessed on this thread. We live in an intolerent World of 'me,me,me' individuals who might all improve our collective lot by adopting more conciliatory postures. Become a vegetarian & encourage farmers & bikers to hug. Peace & Love. OK, I'm into animal rights and stuff, but don't have a problem eating meat - what I do have a problem with is large scale livestock exploitation a la bernard matthews.The poultry trade is by far the worst, cos they are easy to cram into small places. BUT I eat meat - we're omnivores, so are supposed to eat it. In the words of the great man: "If we aren't supposed to eat animals, then why are they made out of meat ?" ;D
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Post by judi on Mar 12, 2007 10:04:00 GMT
^ ^ ^
Wot Gurninman said. ;D
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Post by m40man on Mar 12, 2007 10:07:11 GMT
"If we aren't supposed to eat animals, then why are they made out of meat ?"
Presumably a good argument for cannilablism.
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