Carmarthenshire Farmers Decimated by Foot and Mouth

"Carmarthenshire sheep farmers have had their harvest period decimated by a set of circumstances entirely out of their control," Carmarthenshire NFU Cymru County Chairman, Hugh Richards, told members at a meeting held in Carmarthen recently.

The Foot and Mouth outbreak, caused as a result of the virus leaking out of Pirbright in Surrey, is estimated to be costing the UK agriculture industry £4.7m per day with Wales losing £300,000 per day due to loss of exports alone.

Mr Richards commented on a drop in recent weeks of lamb prices by as much as a third on last year and breeding ewe prices being at least £10-£20 down on last year.

He continued, "Many of our sheep producers rely on over three quarters of their annual income from sales of lambs, rams and breeding ewes in September and October. These have been totally ruined as a result of the virus leaking out of the laboratory at Pirbright. The re-opening of livestock markets gave us a glimmer of hope that things would get better but unfortunately prices remain at rock bottom with no real hope that things will improve.

"In addition, the 20-day standstill severely hampered on farm management decisions. This could affect many farms' lambing patterns for next year, which may result in further marketing problems for next year's lambs."

Members were reminded that NFU Cymru has completed initial research into a claim for legal redress to farmers affected by the FMD outbreak. Any member who wishes to register their interest in pursuing their losses should contact the NFU FMD legal helpline on 0870 840 0686