Prolonged wet weather sparks fodder shortage fears

Heavy rainfall across the UK throughout the past month has limited grass growth and led to more livestock being housed, which is driving up demand for hay and straw.

Fodder supplies in the UK were already relatively tight following the drought conditions last summer, and this recent uptick in demand has led to an increase in imports.

The NFU has warned that extreme weather is becoming increasingly common and suggested that farmers should closely manage feed stocks and consider forage crop options.

See also: How climate change is reshaping crop agronomy

It also called for farm businesses to invest in more adaptable systems and improve water infrastructure.

David Barton, NFU Livestock Board chairman, said: “Last summer’s prolonged dry spell and current spell of wet weather have resulted in minimal grass growth, leaving farmers in some parts of the country facing severe shortages of straw and forage and spiralling feed costs.

“Some are being forced to travel long distances to get fodder for their livestock, while haulage is expensive as its being transported greater distances.”

The Met Office has forecast unsettled weather to continue until at least mid-March, following the exceptionally wet start to the year.

Sarah Davies, head of energy and environment at the Met Office, said: “Wet weather has persisted for many areas over the past few weeks, with repeated Atlantic low pressure systems leaving ground conditions particularly saturated across southern parts of the UK.

“While it is likely to remain changeable over the next few weeks, with further wet weather at times, the focus for the wettest conditions is expected to shift to western hills, where we would normally expect it at this time of year.”

Hay and straw

Larger quantities of hay are being are currently imported from France to satisfy demand, according to the British Hay & Straw Merchants Association.

Hay and straw prices have lifted across almost all regions since the start of the year, with barley straw averaging £107/t.

Ex-farm prices for big square-baled barley straw ranged from £90/t in south-east Scotland to £140/t in the South West.