Video: Farmer appeals for ‘common sense’ after crop flooded

Worcestershire grower Michael Lewis’ recently drilled crop of spring wheat has been ruined by the floods.

After wet weather scuppered his chances of drilling wheat last autumn, Mr Lewis took advantage of a rare dry day two weeks ago to drill spring wheat in a 6ha field at Lower Town Farms, in Berrington, Tenbury Wells.

But a week later on Saturday (15 February), the River Teme burst its banks and left more than two-thirds of the field under water.

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Most of the floodwater had receded when Farmers Weekly visited Mr Lewis on Tuesday (18 February). But a small pool of about half an acre and a high flood tide mark indicated that soil structure is likely to have been damaged.

“I’m hoping I could have a crop there in a few weeks, but I don’t think I will. It will just be a case of having to plant it into spring barley, like the majority of the country, or possibly be putting it back to grass. Time will tell,” said Mr Lewis.

His farming neighbour, Mike Edwards, said over six months of wet weather had caused delays to groundwork and cash flow problems. “Some fields of drilled cereals are looking OK, but some look rather drowned.”

We visited Mr Lewis in Worcestershire, watch the video below.