NFU says decent rainfall will get crops back on track in Shropshire
Bosses from the National Farmers’ Union say a recent lack of rain has affected some crops but decent rainfall over the next month should put the majority back on track.
Sarah Faulkner, NFU environment adviser, based at Telford, said following the prolonged dry spell, farmers in Shropshire will be hoping for some much-needed rain by the end of the week.
A lack of rainfall in other areas of the country has led to fears of a drought.
But Ms Faulkner said Shropshire had not been one of the hardest hit counties.
She said: “The situation at the moment nationally is patchy with farmers, particularly in the south and east of the country, reporting as low as 10 per cent of their expected March and April rainfall.
“This is not the case in Shropshire and while it is much drier than usual, decent rainfall in May and June will put many crops back on track.
“However some crops, like spring barley, have already lost some of their potential.
“Shropshire’s dairy and livestock sector will also have seen the impact on grass growth, however, many are busy silaging already and reporting good grass yields.
“We are growing increasingly concerned about the fruit and vegetable sector, but reservoirs are full and abstracted water sources are still available, albeit at lower that normal levels.”
She said although there are currently no environmental or water supply issues in the county, the NFU is working closely with the Environment Agency, public water supply companies, Defra and The Met Office to assess the situation as this spell of dry weather continues.
Severn Trent claims that reservoirs and other water sources supplying Shropshire are in a healthy position.
Ms Faulkner added: "Many reservoirs have been built since the dry weather we experienced in the 1990s and the NFU hopes that after the General Election the newly formed government will help farmers with a future reservoir building programme through tax relief and positive planning policies."
