Weather puts more farmers’ futures at risk

Sep 19 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

MOTHER Nature and the credit crunch are putting the squeeze on Cheshire farmers, say consultants.

Waterlogged wheat fields caused by one of the wettest Augusts on record, followed by the September downpours, are putting pressure on crop growers.

Tony Rimmer, of Rostons Property Consultants, which gives business advice to the farming community, believes the effects of another wet summer could drive even more farmers out of their livelihoods.

He said: “Bumper harvests were expected for 2008 and prices started to decrease. Closer to home, we have had the worst summer for decades.

“There are huge acreages of corn left to harvest.”

In some cases, Cheshire farmers face losing up to 300 acres of wheat and dairy farmers have also been adversely affected.

Mr Rimmer explained: “Dairy farmers are having to bring their cattle in early because the land is too wet to graze them. Grass has grown abundantly, but the ground is too wet to support the livestock.

“This, coupled with the high expectation of landlords who, at the turn of the year were seeking rent increases, is placing further costs and pressure on an already besieged farming industry.

“For many this awful summer, coupled with the increases in fuel and fertiliser costs and the reduction in commodity prices – wheat having fallen 30% over the year and the milk price being kept artificially low and not reflecting costs of production – may mean there could be a huge exodus of farmers in the next few years.”

The credit crunch is forcing families to shop more frugally which threatens the profit margins of food suppliers.

Farm shops, farmers’ markets and restaurants sourcing local produce show Cheshire families and businesses are backing local farmers but Mr Rimmer believes the agricultural community is facing difficult times.

He added: “We should not forget that farmers look after the countryside, manage it and keep that green and pleasant land that all of us enjoy when we go out for a drive in the car or on a train journey.”