An independent report has estimated last year’s weather extremes cost Scottish farmers £161 million in livestock losses and reduced yields.
The economic report, commissioned by WWF Scotland, claims the combination of the ‘beast from the east’ and a hot dry summer cost the sheep sector £45m, wheat growers £34m, beef producers £28m and the barley industry £26m.
WWF Scotland called on the Scottish Government to take action to help the agriculture sector adapt to the challenges of climate change.
The charity’s food policy manager, Dr Sheila George, said: “This year, the mild winter has boosted crop growth but the variability is already a huge challenge – and climate change is going to lead to more frequent, extreme and unpredictable weather events, like we saw across 2017 and 2018.
“Last year’s extremes will soon be the norm, rather than the exception and that will have huge implications for farmers and the environment.”
Like most growers, Fife farmer Douglas Christie said he had experienced lower crop yields of wheat, spring barley and spring beans as a result of last year’s weather extremes and is looking at how he can adapt his business.
“Poor weather in spring meant I couldn’t put the cattle out to grass as early as usual and I consequently used more conserved forage and straw followed by poor grass growth in the summer until August when welcome rains arrived,” he said.
While the financial impact on the industry from 2018’s weather was largely due to increased forage costs and lower output, statistics show that farm insurance claims increased approximately 20% from 2017.
Heavy snow and strong winds also brought down roofs, burst pipes caused disruption to water supplies, and some milk processors had to pick up the costs of uncollected milk.
The report adds: “Due to a longer production cycle the impact on the beef sector is likely to be felt for some time, due to reduced cattle numbers and availability of cattle for slaughter.
“The losses are likely to be offset by increased market prices for clean cattle.”
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
