Farm Diary by Gwyn Jones, November 10

I see that this autumn is in danger of breaking another record. If the mild weather continues through the early part of this month, we might even break the record for the warmest autumn (13.8C (64F)) set 210 years ago! That would be 1795 then, a time when human activity was causing all sorts of problems to the environment

All those horses working on the land, and used for transport. All those wars against the French and Spaniards. The majority busy working and feeding themselves and their families.

Was it global warming then, or a similar pattern to our autumn in 2005, where the southerly airstreams, and sea temperatures have held up remarkably well, and a block of high pressure over Europe causing warm air to be swept up from North Africa and the Mediterranean?

Cows, heifers and calves are doing well, but this is dangerous weather, and I am worried about pneumonia in the little calves. Many farms are having problems, and good ventilation is essential, but these muggy days and foggy mornings are not good news. Some colder weather would be more healthy, but as long as there is some wind its not too bad.

Gwyn Jones' Farm Diary appears every week in the West Sussex Gazette. You can read the full version of this article in November 10 issue.