Torrential downpours in Northern Ireland has left tens of thousands of chickens killed in flash floods.
Poultry processor Moy Park stated that around 55,000 chickens were killed during the freak storm, which hit Northern Ireland on 22 August.
It stated that two of its farming partners in Co Tyrone had experienced livestock loss and damage to their farm buildings.
An emergency payment has been made available to flood victims, which will provide affected householders with up to £1,000 for refurbishments, following inspections by council officials.
The severity of the storm has also led the Department of Agriculture (DAERA) to state the eligibility of farmers' schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) may have been affected.
The department said: "If you have been affected, you should apply to DAERA within 15 days of the event for consideration for ‘force majeure’."
"When you tell us of a ‘force majeure’ you will be asked to complete an FML1 application form (available on the DAERA website) and return it to Area-Based Schemes Payment Branch. We will look at each request individually so that we can confirm that despite taking all reasonable measures to counteract their effects, the force majeure or exceptional circumstances prevented you from meeting your obligations. You will be asked for information, supported by evidence where appropriate, of the steps you have taken to prevent or lessen the effect of these circumstances.
"Therefore, if your farm or land holding has been affected by the recent flash floods, and in order to safeguard your scheme payments, you should contact the Area-based Schemes Payment Branch on 0300 200 7848 urgently to apply for force majeure."
