Arable growers donate grain to aid flood-hit farms

Warwickshire arable farmers have joined forces to help flood hit farmers on the Somerset Levels.

The group is donating grain to be milled into cattle feed or sold to create funds for farming charities.

The initiative is named “A Bucket for Somerset” and so far 80t of grain have been pledged with 18t of it milled into cattle fed.

Two farms in Sutton Coldfield and Aston Cantlow are currently acting as the central collection points for grain. However, arable producer Mark Holland, who instigated the initiative along with neighbour James Mason, is encouraging farmers to set up distribution points and donate.

“We want more collection points. We have feed mills processing and distributing cattle cake for us, but this has now evolved and we are looking to use donated wheat as hard currency to create funds to buy what’s needed as aid,” Mr Holland said.

“Addressing the affects of the floods is a long haul operation,” added Mr Holland, who farms 364ha at Wooton Hill Farm, Henley- in-Arden. “Only when the last puddle dries up will we know what’s needed. That may be fencing, minerals or getting contractors to help with re-seeding.”

>> NFU Stratford-upon-avon office is coordinating donations from farmers in Warwickshire and Worcestershire for “A Bucket for Somerset.” Contact them on tel: 01789 270617 to get involved.

Or contact Mark Holland on woottonfarms@hotmail.co.uk

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