Twenty-two tonnes of barley straw has been donated to farmers in Cumbria who were affected by last year’s severe flooding which ruined pastures and silage.
The straw – the equivalent of 36 Heston bales – has been donated by AF Biomass, a leading straw contract business and part of the AF Group which includes Anglia Farmers Limited, the UK’s largest agricultural purchasing group.
The straw has been delivered to a farm in Kirby Steven, Cumbria, where it will be shared amongst farmers who had their silage ruined in the floods in 2015.
AF Biomass provided the straw, together with the haulage, and also assisted other organisations taking part in the Forage Aid appeal with their haulage requirements.
Mike Giffin, AF Biomass general manager, said: “The delivery of barley straw to the farmers in Cumbria demonstrates the solidarity of farmers across the UK and their commitment to supporting others within the industry.”
“The Forage Aid appeal helps those farmers affected by flooding source the feed and bedding they need for their animals,” said Mike. “The customers of AF Biomass have rallied together to help their peers.”
Speaking with first-hand knowledge of managing livestock, Mike added: “My first farm management position was on a beef and sheep farm near Cockermouth in Cumbria.
“I understand how difficult it must be to be worrying about feed supplies as we head in to the spring with suckler cows calving and sheep lambing.”
