Cheshire’s farmers battle against wintry conditions

Jan 14 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

FARMERS faced with the recent sub-zero temperatures having been working around the clock to protect their livelihoods and livestock.

Frozen water pipes, icy farmyards and snow-covered fields are just some of the problems which farmers across Cheshire have had to cope with.

But the difficult situations caused by freezing conditions, which has brought the county to a standstill, are being overcome by a mixture of hard work and innovation.

Barbara Hughes, of Ivy House Farm in Malpas, said: “It has been horrendous, it just puts so many extra hours on your day. We are working from 5.30am until 8.30pm at the moment.

“We have been trying to give about 300 cows water using just two hose pipes. The water pipes were completely frozen and then they burst which turned the farmyard into an ice rink!

“Also the machines in the milk parlour were also completely frozen so we had to use hair dryers and warm water from the kettle to get everything working. We have got warm lamps in there now.”

Mrs Hughes, who sends milk from her cattle to make cheese in North Wales, added the sheep farmers were struggling as sheep carrying lambs were eating extra feed as the grass is covered in snow.

She also said that neighbouring farmers, who have suffered frozen or burst water pipes have been forced to break the ice on nearby ponds and lakes to allow livestock to drink water.

North West spokesman for the National Farmers Union Carl Hudspith said that despite the weather-related problems, the county’s farmers were still able to meet the needs of the consumer.