An agricultural charity has held out a helping hand for farmers who have suffered losses due to recent severe weather.
Sheep farmers in the parts of the UK have been hit hard by the harsh winter.
Tom Armstrong, regional welfare officer for the north of England for farming charity RABI, spoke to a number of worried farmers at a recent farmhouse breakfast event in Northumberland.
“People weren’t prepared for the snow and many farmers lost sheep in snow drifts,” he said.
“They are dreading lambing. The numbers will be down, which will have a knock on effect for farmers later in the year when they come to sell their stock.”
“On top of that, this has been a long, wet winter. The grass hasn’t started to grow yet, so farmers are paying for extra feed for the surviving sheep – an expense they normally wouldn’t have at this time of year. That can put a strain on finances so many on low incomes are struggling to pay domestic bills.”
Tom added: “It does affect your mental wellbeing when these things happen, but it’s important for farmers to know that they’re not alone. R.A.B.I is here to help.”
'Huge difficulties'
Rural insurer NFU Mutual said farmers across the UK are facing "huge difficulties" to look after livestock in the worst UK-wide winter weather in over a decade.
Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual said: "In the areas which have had heavy snow and temperatures falling below -10c, farmers are facing a massive challenge to get fodder to sheep and cattle which are out in the fields or housed in remote buildings.
"Scotland and the north east of England are currently the worst affected regions with deep snow still falling and drifting in high winds. Unusually, there has also been very heavy snow in Devon and Cornwall - including low lying areas which rarely see snow."
The amount of livestock killed due the recent severe weather is said to be the "worst in living memory" in some parts of the UK.
The Cumbria MP, who represents the Penrith and the Border constituency, said local farmers have lost hundreds of dead animals.
He said they have lost stock in lamb - during the most critical time for farmers.
During a crisis RABI can help those in financial hardship by providing grants for immediate domestic and household expenses. While we cannot help specifically with business costs, if the harsh winter has left you or someone you know who works in farming unable to pay household bills please call our Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490.
