NOW that the dust has settled after the glorious march of September 22, I have had time to reflect upon the coverage given to the largest demonstration in British history by the media, and one particular sector has been found surprisingly lacking.

Every newspaper, as far as I can see without exception, devoted pages and pages of print and photographs to reporting the march.

From the Telegraph to the Mail the journalists did justice to the event whatever their political leanings, but where oh where were the BBC?

Having not returned from London until late on Sunday night, very few of us got the opportunity to see the TV bulletins but I gather the evening news did spare a few minutes before rapidly moving on.

Even my favourite programme on Radio Four failed miserably and the march didn't even rank amongst its headlines on the morning after. Instead, the Today programme gave an Australian busker singing animal rights songs a prominent slot, which hardly seemed fair balancing the 30 or so anti-protestors against the 407,000 that were in favour of marching.

Instead, the focus of the BBC was turned to Blair's current passion, Iraq and Saddam Hussein. What really bothers me is that the New Labour spin doctors may have prescribed this treatment for the marchers, obtaining the willing co-operation of their puppet director, Greg Dyke, at the BBC. In snubbing the countryside and its urban allies, the Government got it seriously wrong. It will not have gone unnoticed by those determined and in some cases desperate to fight for a viable future.

As an aside, I would mention that I have long been an admirer of Bernard Dineen, of the Yorkshire Post, who expressed similar feelings in his column this week.

Mid-term review on hold

Following Franz Fischler's bold statement of intent to reform the CAP at his mid-term review, battle lines are being drawn between the two sides.

In the red corner, we have the reformers, comprising the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Holland, and in the blue corner, the traditionalists, led by France and including Ireland, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Last week, an open letter was written by the "no change" party, penned by France in flowery language and describing agriculture as "the fruit of love of an occupation of the land developed over many generations".

They don't see anything wrong with the CAP and believe that it has modernised itself over the years.

Whatever the outcome, the opposing sides are of sufficient strength to ensure a compromise deal is struck which will be of material benefit to British farmers.

All the while waiting in the wings are the new applicant countries wanting to join the EU; and they are definitely opposed to any change which would effect their prospects of getting money out of the system.

Ban on personal meat imports

At long last and after much pressure, the EU has, from January 1, 2003, prohibited meat and milk products being imported into the EU unless they meet stringent conditions.

At the moment, it only affects personal importation, but the controls will require all meat and dairy products originating from countries outside the EU to have veterinary certification and to be checked at the port of entry.

This is a great step forward as many of us believe our devastating disease problems stem from such illegal imports.

However, the legislation will only be as good as its enforcement and we can only hope the Government will provide the manpower required.

Impact on German election

Last week, the Socialist/Green Party coalition gained the narrowest of victories in the German election and the political analysts are hard at work forecasting the implications.

In agriculture, it is probable that Gerhard Schroeder will feel sufficiently obligated to his new-found Green friends to re-appoint Renate Kunast as the country's Farm Minister.

Frau Kunast is a committed enthusiast for radical green policies, including the pursuit of organic farming and the decoupling of production-based support.

It is the more worrying for British agriculture that Margaret Beckett regards the German Minister as a strong ally.

Blakey sheep sale

Saturday's fine day on Blakey Ridge brought approximately 2,500 Scot and Swaledale breeding ewes and lambs, as well as Masham and Mule lambs to be judged by Ernest Harker of Long Marton, Appleby, who awarded the trophies as follows:-

Uncrossed Swaledale Ewes: 1st: Mark Carter, Rosedale; 2nd: Brian Aconley, Farndale; 3rd: The Burwarton Estate, Baysdale. 4th: Elizabeth Hall, Fylingdales

Best Scot Wether Lambs: 1st 2nd and 3rd: Ian Sleightholme, Langdale End

Swaledale Wether Lambs: 1st: The Burwarton Estate, Baysdale; 2nd: Elizabeth Hall, Fylingdales; 3rd: George and Steve Atkinston, Kildale.

Scot and Swaledale Shearling: 1st, 2nd and 3rd: Ken Boddy, Hartoft.

Masham Gimmer Lambs: 1st and 2nd: Ridgehouse Farms, Farndale.

Best Pen Mule Gimmer Lambs: 1st and 2nd: Geoff Featherstone, Wilton; 3rd and 4th: Dennis Featherstone and Sons, Farndale.

The best pen of Swaledale breeding ewes realised £47 from the Burwarton Estate of Baysdale Abbey followed by Reg Peirson of Goathland at £43. Purchasers were present from all parts of the county and sheep were in demand.

The wagon wash worked well under the supervision of Geoff Marson and King Howard with excellent co-operation from other ministerial officials.

Many thanks go to Barry Crossland and his staff of The Lion Inn for their assistance.

Market report

The Indian summer continues unabated but stock numbers are relatively respectable at the market and on Tuesday we had 71 cattle and 600 sheep.

The bulls were a sensible trade with Roland Mason topping the market at 100p per kilo for a heavyweight Belgian Blue of outstanding confirmation.

Most of the Continentals were making from 92p - 100p and the breaking up Friesians from 75p - 80p per kilo.

Amongst the clean cattle, the best steer came from Edward Hardwick and made 136p per kilo and he also produced the highest priced heifer of the day at 140p per kilo.

George Marwood was close behind at 137p per kilo and it is fair to say that there were some quite exceptional cattle in the market.

Lambs are still a seasonally very good trade and the overall average was 98p per kilo through the market. The top price of 110p per kilo went to Nick Hargrave and the best price per head was £53.

Don't forget it's the Michaelmas Fair at Malton today (Wednesday).

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, October 02, 2002