We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Benn pays tribute to snow hero farmers
DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has paid tribute to farmers who sprung into action to help clear roads and rescue stranded motorists as Britain plunged into one of the worst winters in 30 years.
Up to 16 inches of snow fell in some areas across the South and East of England yesterday (Wednesday, January 7), adding to the chaos after parts of Scotland and Northern England were hit by arctic blizzards earlier in the week.
Farmers were hailed as the heroes of the hour, with many being recruited by County Councils facing a shortage of salt and grit.
Paying tribute to the farmers, Mr Benn said: ““As well as being the custodians of our countryside farmers have shown over the last few days that they are also an extra emergency service.
“They deserve a lot of thanks for helping their communities by keeping roads passable.”
But despite the industry demonstrating its resilience and coping well with the conditions there are fears things could take a turn for the worst with more snow and ice forecast for next week.
Agricultural supplies companies are seeing a run on salt/grit supplies but are so far managing to keep animal feed moving – even if it means dropping it at lane ends in some cases.
Feed companies are phoning round customers to ascertain what supplies they have. One depot manager said conditions were likely to get worse as the snow compacted to ice. “You might be able to get a laden wagon in to a farm but when it has unloaded, there is no traction and you-re stuck,” he said.
In Scotland, farmers were being encouraged to help neighbours and fellow farmers struggling to cope with the conditions.
NFU Scotland chief executive James Withers said: “With many rural roadways blocked with snow and likely to remain difficult to pass for the next few days, the situation is becoming increasingly concerning.
“This prolonged cold spell is testing everyone’s reserves but I know that farmers will still find time to check on those around them that may be in need of some help.”
NFU mutual said it had seen a 25 per cent rise in motor claims since the cold snap began on December 18 and the insurer urged farmers to take care when out on the roads.
NFU Mutual claims manager, John Kenny said: “We can’t stress enough the importance of driving very carefully – especially on country roads which often have not been gritted.”
There are also fears the prolonged cold snap could disrupt deliveries of grain and other commodities should it continue into next week.
At farm level, continued problems expected with farmers facing frozen water pipes and milking parlours, getting extra feed to outlying stock and inevitably, the cost of extra feed. Increased demand could also see hay, straw and silage values moving upwards.
