SCOTTISH farming is to have its own weather advisory panel, rural secretary Fergus Ewing has announced.

When triggered, the panel will act as a taskforce for rapidly sharing information, best practice and encouraging co-operation across industry to help farmers and crofters respond to challenging weather conditions, both in the short term and in building longer term resilience.

Speaking at this week's AgriScot, Mr Ewing explained: “Many parts of Scotland have experienced extremely challenging weather conditions this year, which continues to cause considerable problems for farmers and crofters.

“Certain areas have seen the wettest weather for 80 years, resulting in animals being brought indoors earlier than normal, shortages of silage, and issues related to complying with slurry spreading regulations.

“As such, I am pleased to be establishing an agricultural Weather Advisory Panel, which will bring together experts from across industry and government to promote best practice and act as an additional source of practical advice and possible solutions, and I look forward to working with the panel moving forward.”

Initial membership of the panel will include NFUS, Environment Link, SRUC, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the Met Office, SEPA, RSABI, and the Scottish Government. The Clearing Banks have also been invited to participate.

It is anticipated that additional members with the appropriate expertise will be sought as and when required.