Farmers still working in UK’s extreme weather

Unseasonable snow and icy conditions across the country has caused disruption for many homes and businesses, with farming battling against the elements to ensure farms can keep working and animals are cared for.

NFU Vice President Adam Quinney said: “These are unusual conditions and are totally out of character for the time of year. Farmers are resilient and are working around the clock to look after the welfare of their animals.

“It has put an extraordinary strain on the industry after what has been a torrid 12 months of extreme weather, compounded by the fact that many farmers’ sheep are lambing at the moment.

“Sheep are adapted to living outside but it is unusual to be lambing in this weather and we do expect to see some losses in areas hardest hit by the weather. I’ve talked to families where everyone is out all day and night just trying to get feed out there.

“You will find farmers up and down the country helping to ensure roads are clear so feed deliveries can make it onto farm, and in many cases bringing animals inside to protect against the elements.

“The work that’s going on is incredible and farmers are just exhausted, but they are continuing to work hard to ensure that as much that can be done is being done in these unprecedented circumstances.”