Beleaguered Shropshire farmers still struggling to get their harvest in as a result of the bad weather have been granted a reprieve after a further extension by the Government to use heavy machinery on waterlogged soil.

It is the second time the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stepped in to save crops from rotting in the field.

Farmers across the region were delighted with the news, which will enable the remnants of the worst harvest in years to be salvaged.

However, it is expected to be the most expensive harvest in living memory, with thousands of pounds spent on drying the crops.

Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary, yesterday reviewed the situation and gave further exemption until October 25.

He said: “The NFU and other farming industry representatives have alerted me to the continuing problems caused by not being able to use machinery on waterlogged soil after the recent rainfall and that the promise of further rainfall threatens the remaining harvest.

“I have decided to extend the exemption across England, solely for the purposes of harvesting cereals, oilseeds and protein crops.

“We need to continue to do all we can to help the harvest.

“Defra asks once again that farmers minimise their access to waterlogged areas for harvesting and it is important they do not initiate other land activities, such as ploughing in preparation for sowing for next season until suitable soil conditions prevail.”

Oliver Cartwright, for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) in Shropshire, said farmers were delighted with the move.

“The NFU and our members have welcomed the decision as it will help those struggling to finish the harvest,” he said.

“Parts of Shropshire were badly affected by the heavy rains over the summer and it is good to see a common sense approach to help our growers who are still affected.

“Farmers do have to work alongside a huge amount of red tape and the extension will allow them to finish things off and prepare the ground for next year without having the added worry of penalties.

“They do look after the soils which support their livelihoods and the NFU encourages its members to record the effects of harvesting in difficult conditions and what steps were taken later to rectify affected fields.”

He concluded: “We are encouraged the Secretary of State has responded to our calls.”

By Rural Affairs Editor Nathan Rous