A farming charity has increased its donations to farmers in Wales, noting how the industry has faced a “particularly hard” time this year.
From January to November this year, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has given out around £253k to farming people in Wales.
This figures compares to £207k for the same period last year – a 22% increase.
Of the funds given, £123k went to 55 working farmers and their dependants – a 94% increase on last year’s figure of £63k for the same period.
It comes as experts warn that the 2018 heatwave will have “long-term consequences” for crops and livestock nutrition, with farmers having to reach into winter reserves of food and forage.
Many farmers with livestock on their farm have also struggled, with insufficient grass and forage to meet nutritional requirements.
Malcolm Thomas, RABI chairman, said: “This year has been particularly hard for farmers. The snow and weeks of rain followed by the heatwave left many playing catch-up. Now, we’re heading into winter and, for many, resources are running low.
“The work of RABI is more important than ever. Whatever lies ahead, we remain in a strong position to support those in financial need in the farming industry.”
Over the course of the last ten months, the Welsh counties where the charity has given out the most to working farmers are Brecon & Radnor (£20k), Montgomeryshire (£18k), and Caernarfon (£15k).
There’s a lot RABI can do to help. If you’re struggling financially, give the welfare team a call on its Freephone helpline – 0808 281 9490.
