One of the saddest things about the coronavirus lockdown is the amount of agricultural and horticultural shows that have been cancelled.

The summer months were times when I would look forward to visiting the various exhibits and competitions on display around the country.

On the 5th of May the Irish government will re-assess the lockdown situation. There are possibilities that a gradual easing will take place but this will be very difficult to manage. All it takes is for another rise in coronavirus outbreaks and we will be back to complete lockdown mode again. Not a pleasant thought.

Golf clubs still remain closed until the 5th May (at least) but essential greenkeeping maintenance is permitted. Many clubs are down to basic staff levels with some splitting their workforce to work on alternative days. Greens mowing is restricted to three times a week and machinery and equipment maintenance is only carried out as required to ensure that essential equipment is kept safe and operational. This has had an adverse effect on dealer workshops who service and repair golf course equipment. Machines are only being used when needed.

For example, bunkers don’t have to be raked, making bunker raking machines redundant; rough mowers are not out as often as they used to be; utility vehicles don’t have to travel the golf course to change cups or move tee markers. One dealer told me recently “Now that golf clubs are closed for play, greenkeepers aren’t bothered how well the golf course looks, they are just maintaining their course to keep it ticking over. That has adversely affected the turf equipment sector of our business”.

Meanwhile, farming life continues as normal with machines out on the land at full throttle.

Some dealers who closed during this crisis have re-opened but are only taking orders over the phone or will deal with emergency situations over the counter.

From a business point of view there is not a lot more one can do, given all the restrictions that are in place. It is a difficult time for many. Personally, I am grateful that the weather has remained relatively dry and mild. This has allowed me to go for short walks from where I live and enjoy nature, which is at its best at this time of year. It is wonderful to catch a glimpse of birds with straw and twigs in their beaks as they busily go about building their nests. And the good news is the swallows have returned! One pair are back again in my shed ready to start a new family in the rafters.

In a peculiar way COVID-19 has allowed us to slow down and take things a bit easier. It has given us the time to think, reflect and appreciate the simple things in life. It’s no harm to be free from the hustle and bustle of business life and, in a way, this lockdown could be good for our long term health, so that when we return to normality we will be fully recharged. So take this opportunity to slow down and enjoy nature.