Within a few days there will be no sheep. As Mr Brown made the announcement, I was with Bob Armstrong, the Longtown haulier who has been transporting animals to and from the mart since he took over his father's business in 1947. He also runs a few hobby-sheep in the paddock behind his house. All perfectly healthy. We had two little lambs born yesterday.
Life can be cruel sometimes.
The original announcement suggested that his milk tankers, another third of the business, would also have to go. He just shrugged that off too. Those worst affected are invisible. Every farm gate for miles around is blocked off by cones, tarpaulins, plastic netting, police tape, baler twine, anything that reinforces the Go Away message. Farmers with diseased animals lurk behind them, relying on friends to drop off supplies at the gate.