Financial impact of bad weather laid bare

THe National Farmers’ Union has warned of another tough year for the industry as new figures reveal the true cost of the horrendous weather conditions of last year.

Average business income per farm in England for 2012/13 was £47,500, a huge drop from £67,000 the year before, Defra statistics show.

The worst decreases in income were felt by mixed farms, with incomes down by £36,000 to £38,000 and lowland grazing livestock farms which, on average, experienced almost a 50 per cent drop in income, to a miserly £16,500.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Phil Bicknell, the NFU’s chief economist, said: “These results highlight the financial impact of the appalling weather of 2012. Whether it was reduced output or higher feed bills, many farmers’ bottom lines will have taken a hit.

“Nor should we forget that the weather of 2012 will shape farming’s fortunes in 2013/14, particularly the knock-on impact of planting problems last autumn on this year’s cropping. Financially, this year is likely to be another tough one for some farming sectors.

“From agricultural lenders to retailers, we know there’s an understanding of the pressures faced by our industry and I know organisations from across the supply chain recognise the long-term potential of farming.

“Many will again be backing British farmers in these volatile times and their support is valued, particularly given the uncertainty in both physical output and financial performance in the short term.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Indeed, we need similar consistency and support from government to enable our farming industry to be resilient rather than leave significant parts of our industry at risk.”

According to the Government’s latest data, the only sectors which averaged income growth were specialist poultry and specialist pig farms.

Related topics: