Politics and weather are arguably the two biggest factors that affect our industry.

We have little control over either of these and probably have more influence on the weather.

At this time of year, the seasonal changes differ widely as I travel across the region.

Only this week, I had to defrost the car in the morning before leaving Huntly with a slight covering of snow.

When I got to Laurencekirk I was greeted by daffodils in full bright yellow flower, with seed drills working away.

I have been to Spring Shows at Thainstone through snow drifts, with winter clothing and a thick hat, but this year it was a lovely day.

Who would have known, standing at a livestock mart near Inverurie, that in a few days’ time the world was going to be turned upside down by the current situation in the Middle East.

Fuel, oils, fertiliser, net wrap, silage wrap and haulage – these are just a few of the things affected by spiralling oil and gas prices which are having a major impact on Ringlink members’ businesses.

Ringlink members spooked by Middle East crisis and its impact

Our phones have been ringing constantly ever since, with members getting in touch to discuss the price and availability of various commodities.

My finger is pointed at the mainstream media for adding fuel to the fire and creating panic buying of fuels.

Then again, who wants to be standing next to an empty fuel tank with spring work still to do?

Are we too dependent on oil and gas?

Our current UK Government seems to be all for net-zero, and against oil and gas.

So much of what we do as an industry revolves around fossil fuels.

Is the current situation not really showing how isolated and vulnerable we are when there is a disruption in the global supply chain?

Anyway, back to Inverurie and the Spring Show. This was my first show with Ringlink and it was a busy stand.

It was great to put faces to so many names and chat all things “ring”.

We had team members from the Elgin, Oldmeldrum and Laurencekirk offices, and all day we greeted members old and new onto the stand for coffee and a chat.

It really brought home to me how strong the co-operative model is.

There is significant interest in what we do and how we do it.

Flying the flag for Ringlink

I am a firm believer the transparent and honest way we work plays a huge part in this.

And that interest goes far beyond the Spring Show.

A chunk of my time is spent flying the Ringlink flag and explaining the diverse range of what we do, whether it’s out meeting members and understanding their needs or speaking at discussion groups, meetings, schools and colleges.

Lights, camera, action

A few weeks ago I was standing in front of a camera being interviewed by the Farm Advisory Service about our pre-apprenticeship programme.

It is series five, episode 29, if Eastenders is slow watching.

Ringlink managing director Graham Bruce jokingly told me I will make it to Hollywood or onto the 10pm news doing things like this.

I was quick to point out nothing good ever happens on the 10pm news, and I most certainly have a face for radio.

Elsewhere, Graham and I were recently invited over to UPU Industries near Belfast to learn about their net wrap, twine and silage wrap manufacturing.

I must admit having spent plenty of time unwrapping and rolling out bales, not once had I considered how it is made.

It was fascinating to watch and learn how a container of plastic is turned into rolls of net wrap.

The Irish hospitality was exceptional, although booking a flight home at 7am wasn’t my best move.

Back at home, my wife, Nikki, has been busy lambing our pedigree Beltex flock, although I do chip in and lend a hand whenever I can.

Thankfully, her enthusiasm for the Beltex breed has if not matched mine, maybe even overtaken it.

The highs and lows of not just the lambing shed, but pedigree sheep, keep me emotionally, financially and physically grounded.

Seeing my best ewe have a cracking tup lamb somehow keeps the excitement and the dream alive.

We are incredibly lucky to have our neighbours, Doug and Allison, who always appear just at the right moment to lend a hand.

I’d never tell them this, but we’d be absolutely lost without their help.

In this increasingly volatile world events happening far away can seem very distant.

But they can have an immediate impact on our local economy and lives.

In my eyes, one thing is certain – the Ringlink team is here to help, and welcomes your calls and inquiries.

Even in these turbulent times we will always do everything we can to assist our members.

Grant Ireland is general manager at agricultural machinery and services co-operative Ringlink Scotland.

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