It’s difficult to amaze an old codger like The Dealer, but I must admit that I was nearly knocked out of my stand – as they’d say in north Tipperary – when I read recently that over 40% of farmer respondents to an ICMSA survey admitted to not owning a generator.

The finding was especially shocking since two-thirds of respondents to the same survey admitted to losing power during storm Éowyn. Given that storms such as Éowyn will be a lot more common in the future, maybe family members might consider putting a generator into the pot for Secret Santa this Christmas, or making it a purchase for what are now fondly termed ‘roundy birthdays’. Given the weather we’re getting, generators are rapidly becoming an essential back-up kit for farms.