Earth and Habitat (Commonwealth Union) _In the tranquil countryside of Powys, nestled near Brecon, Stella Owen tends to her flock with care, her expertise honed through years of dedication to her craft. As a seasoned farmer and NFU County Advisor for Brecon and Radnorshire, Stella’s connection to the land runs deep. However, even the most seasoned veterans of the agricultural world can find themselves facing unforeseen challenges.
In a candid narrative, Stella shares her journey grappling with the Schmallenberg virus, a silent assailant that wreaked havoc on her farm earlier this year. This insidious virus, transmitted by infected midges, struck at the very heart of Stella’s livelihood, causing pregnant ewes to birth lambs with devastating defects and deformities.
“We put 100 ewes to the ram back in the end of August and the beginning of September last year. All quite normal for us,” Stella recalls, her voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and apprehension. Little did she know, the balmy September breeze carried with it an invisible threat, one that would soon plunge her into a harrowing ordeal.
As January unfolded, Stella’s worst fears were realized. The once-thriving flock now bore the scars of the virus’s wrath, with lambs succumbing to untimely deaths and deformities that defied nature’s laws. Each day brought fresh challenges, as Stella grappled with the anguish of witnessing her cherished animals suffer.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, Stella found solace in the unyielding support of her fellow farmers. In a tight-knit community bound by a shared love for the land, solidarity emerged as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. Together, they weathered the storm, offering a lifeline of support to those in need.
As the dust settles and the scars of battle begin to fade, Stella’s message rings clear: no farmer is alone in their struggles. Through unity and resilience, they can overcome even the most formidable of challenges, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before.
In the verdant fields of Powys, where the echoes of hardship mingle with the whispers of hope, Stella Owen stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the farming community. Though the road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, one thing remains steadfast: the bonds of kinship that unite them in their shared pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
