Meaning: The quote "The return from cows and sheep in cheese is worth much money every day in the season, without calves and lambs, and without the manure, which all return corn and fruit" by Robert Grosseteste, a medieval scientist, philosopher, and English statesman, highlights the economic value of dairy and livestock farming. Grosseteste points out that the production of cheese from cows and sheep yields significant financial returns on a daily basis, especially during the peak season. Additionally, he emphasizes that this return is independent of the additional benefits derived from the animals, such as calves and lambs, as well as the valuable manure they provide for agricultural purposes.

In the context of medieval agriculture, the quote underscores the importance of dairy and livestock farming as lucrative economic activities. The production of cheese from cows and sheep was a vital source of income for many rural communities during this period. Cattle and sheep were raised not only for their meat but also for their milk, which was processed into cheese and other dairy products. These products were in high demand and commanded significant value in local and regional markets, contributing to the economic sustainability of farming communities.

Grosseteste's emphasis on the financial worth of cheese production "every day in the season" highlights the consistent and reliable nature of income derived from dairy farming. Unlike seasonal crops or other forms of agricultural production that may have fluctuating yields, the regularity of cheese production provided a steady source of income for farmers. This reliability made dairy farming an attractive and profitable venture for many agricultural practitioners during the Middle Ages.

Furthermore, Grosseteste's mention of the absence of calves, lambs, and manure in his assessment of the economic value of cheese production sheds light on the specific focus on the monetary returns from the dairy aspect of livestock farming. While calves and lambs were valuable in their own right for meat and future breeding stock, Grosseteste's observation centers on the immediate economic benefits of cheese production as a standalone enterprise within the broader framework of animal husbandry.

The reference to manure as a separate entity that "returns corn and fruit" underscores the interconnectedness of agricultural activities. Manure, derived from the waste of cows and sheep, served as a crucial natural fertilizer for crops, enhancing soil fertility and contributing to higher yields of grains and fruits. Grosseteste's acknowledgment of the indirect but significant impact of livestock farming on crop production highlights the multifaceted benefits of integrated farming systems in medieval agriculture.

From a contemporary perspective, Grosseteste's quote offers insights into the historical significance of dairy and livestock farming as economic enterprises. While the agricultural landscape has evolved considerably since the medieval period, the fundamental principles of deriving economic value from animal husbandry and the interconnectedness of livestock and crop production remain relevant today. The quote serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of sustainable and diversified agricultural practices for economic prosperity and food security.

In conclusion, Robert Grosseteste's quote encapsulates the economic value of cheese production from cows and sheep, emphasizing its consistent financial worth and its contribution to the broader agricultural ecosystem. By highlighting the independent economic returns of cheese production and its interconnectedness with crop cultivation through the provision of manure, Grosseteste's words shed light on the enduring significance of dairy and livestock farming in historical and contemporary agricultural contexts.