In 1921, dentistry became a regulated profession for the first time, postal services were suspended on Sundays, and the British Legion held the first ‘official’ Poppy Day.
At the time, the generation probably had no idea just how much of an impact these things would have, yet some 100 years later they still remain part of our annual calendar and day-to-day lives.
The turn of a new year always marks a time for reflection, which got me thinking this month and wondering in 2021 what will we do, and how will we have an impact that’s long-lasting for generations to come?
Climate change is the biggie for me, and I think, as an industry, this is the single most important area that we can have a huge influence over, to reset the standards of practice and carve out a better world and landscape for those who come after us, who will sit back one day and think “those guys really made a difference.”
In a survey in this month’s issue, 75% of growers we asked said they felt they need to do more to reduce their farms’ impact on the environment, so in CPM, this is something we’re going to be focusing on a lot this year.
So within the machinery pages, we’ll be using this opportunity to challenge the industry and manufacturers to find out what they’re doing to make our targets and goals more attainable – and if they’re not doing anything, why not?
After a year of fear and uncertainty, 2021 is not a year for complacency. It’s time we stand up and make a difference.
So from the farmer switching to variable rate application to reduce inputs and wastage, to the fertiliser manufacturers creating ‘greener’ products, and machinery designers and engineers making sure emission targets can be met, we all have a role to play.
That said, I think we can be proud that a lot of growers are already making great progress in this area – and CPM’s Climate Change Champion initiative last year highlighted just that, which continues into 2021.
In last Feb’s issue, I wrote about the importance of those who are doing something different, thinking outside the box and really leading the way in terms of progression, and it’s my belief that these are the growers, makers and creators that ought to have a light shined on them.
So please, if you’ve invested in something that’s helping you work to reduce your carbon footprint or just doing things a little more efficiently, then do get in touch as I’d love to hear from you – who knows, your story may be the one that spurs someone else to make a difference…
Though the 2020s hasn’t got off to the same ‘roaring’ start as per the previous century, that doesn’t need to stem the progression we can make over the next decade.
In another hundred years’ time, although I probably won’t be around to see the results, it’s nice to think that we could have done our bit, and really made a difference for the generations to come.
Originally hailing from Devon, Charlotte Cunningham is now based in Warwicks and when not busy filling the pages of CPM, can be found in the garden or exploring the countryside with two crazy spaniels in tow. charlie@cpm-magazine.co.uk @charcunningham
