Extreme weather conditions cause havoc for farmers and rural communities

NFU Cymru has received phone calls from many concerned farmers across Wales following the recent snow and ice. The Union has received reports of livestock owners who cannot get animal feed delivered to their farms, dairy farmers are having no choice but to tip milk away as tankers can’t get to the farms to pick it up and supplies of fresh eggs are also at risk as collections are proving impossible.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President said, "This weather looks set to continue for at least the rest of this week and farmers are rightly concerned for the welfare of their animals and their businesses. It appears that clearing the rural roads is currently a low priority as the authorities struggle to keep the main roads open.

"This time of year always proves challenging for those that live out in the countryside but the extreme conditions that we’re experiencing this year are causing understandable serious stress."

NFU Cymru appreciates the difficulties that landowners and rural dwellers are facing and is advising farmers and road users to remember that their health and safety must always be the first priority.