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alt_arthurThe harvest reports are coming in, and the news, I am cautiously pleased to say, is good for the most part. Wheat and barley are up from last year. Oats are a bit down, but still above the harvest two years ago. Turnips and potatoes are also strong, which means that I hope we will not be facing major food shortfalls through the winter. This is particularly gratifying considering the labour shortages some of the work crews are working around due to the reduction in numbers from the epidemic of Black's paralysis last year. Of course, the work crews were supplemented somewhat with the newly awakened. The new hands, of course, are rather green at most of the tasks, slowing the work, but we have had great luck with the weather, which has certainly helped.
An excellent beet crop means that there may even be a more steady supply of sugar available than there has been for the past five years, perhaps even enough to spare some for muggles, on a limited basis, of course. There are those who argue that such luxuries shouldn't be wasted on animals, naturally, but there is no doubt that an occasional indulgence can help keep the population more docile.
There have been reports of some rot destroying a good portion of the cabbage crop, however. We will have to keep an eye out for reports of scurvy this winter.
An excellent beet crop means that there may even be a more steady supply of sugar available than there has been for the past five years, perhaps even enough to spare some for muggles, on a limited basis, of course. There are those who argue that such luxuries shouldn't be wasted on animals, naturally, but there is no doubt that an occasional indulgence can help keep the population more docile.
There have been reports of some rot destroying a good portion of the cabbage crop, however. We will have to keep an eye out for reports of scurvy this winter.