FARMERS and crofters have been urged to plan well in advance for potential feed and bedding shortages for their livestock, in a new straw and feed campaign launched this week by NFU Scotland.

As part of a 12-week-campaign, the union will be encouraging both buyers and growers of straw and feed to start putting long term plans in place in order to mitigate against any future issues.

The campaign comprises of three forms of action which farmers are being encouraged to follow; firstly, to understand fully the demands for their business and where they are sourcing feed and straw from, and in regard to growers, identifying where their market is. Secondly, to prepare for flexibility, making sure that alternative supplies are taken into account, ensuring there is a backup plan if future shortages arise. Finally, the union is pushing for greater collaboration between farmers and crofters in order to look at ways to reduce costs, such as buying or making farm-to-farm arrangements/deals.

The unpredictability of Scotland’s weather has preyed mercilessly on the livelihoods of Scotland’s farmers in recent times, with last year’s continuously wet summer and autumn periods, which left many fields of straw unharvested by the end of the year, sending straw prices soaring and widespread shortages were felt across the country.

This year, an arctic winter which lasted well into spring has been followed by a long streak of dry weather. Although welcomed initially, the lack of rain has caused concern across the industry. It is clear now, more than ever, that farmers need to carefully prepare for all eventualities which could arise.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick explained the importance of the campaign: “We have such a fantastic agricultural industry in Scotland but every day we are being challenged to make it work and to adapt to conditions. Each farm is different, and each farmer has different needs,” he stated.

“All sectors have suffered from unusual weather over the past year. Last autumn and this spring it was unrelenting rain and the late cold snap,” he continued. “Now, it is the prolonged dry spell, which we are far less used to, that has caught many out.

“At a time when many are watching budgets, we have launched this campaign to get livestock producers thinking about how they will overcome shortages of feed and bedding, and growers about what is best for their businesses too. That thought process needs to be flexible and businesses should consider what could be done collectively,” he explained.

“With weather patterns changing from what we have been used to in the past, planning ahead will be key to successfully coping with the challenges ahead. It doesn’t matter what sector you’re in and what pressures you are facing, you must make time to plan flexibly and as far ahead as possible,” Mr McCornick insisted.