It’s business as usual, says NFU despite water shortages

The National Farmers Union (NFU) said it should be “business as usual” for the region’s farmers despite the likelihood of fresh restrictions on water use following the unseasonably dry winter and spring.

Water abstraction restrictions are now likely in the Don, Rother, Hull and Derwent catchment areas in which farmers hold some 460 abstraction licences.

Of this number 83 licences look likely to be affected by stop notices over the coming weeks – unless significant rainfall is forthcoming.

NFU land use and environment adviser, Laurie Norris, said that farmers will have been wise to this likelihood and will be well prepared. The Co-op farm in Swinefleet, near Goole, for example is making provisions to pump water some 3km from a neighbouring supply – laying a series of six-metre pipes to bring the water to the farm.

“We’ve seen some restrictions on water abstraction over the last couple of years, so this will not come as a surprise to farmers,” she said. “As a result most farmers already manage their water use, for example by applying only the water needed by specific crops and irrigating at night.

“Most also have more than one licence and the restrictions being discussed will only affect a proportion of those licences – so-called HOF (Hands Off Flow) licences.

“This means that providing water levels don’t continue to drop, some careful planning and collaborative working should allow the production of water-vulnerable crops such as potatoes and field vegetables to continue as normal.”

The Environment Agency has already written to all licence-holders outlining key measures farmers can take to conserve water.

These include ensuring maintenance and repairs are carried out on all equipment before the start of the season tomorrow and conducting a water audit to highlight the exact quantities required by individual crops. The NFU also recommends drawing up a water use plan that prioritises crops and fields and highlights how irrigation plans can be amended if necessary.

“Working together will also be an important tactic to make an increasingly scarce resource go as far as possible,” said Ms Norris.

“Working closely with neighbouring farms is vital to share ideas and co-ordinate irrigation to ensure everyone gets a share without impacting too heavily on already-stretched water resources. We are happy to help our members set up abstraction groups where they do not already exist.”

Any farmers with questions about their abstraction licence should contact Lindsey Noakes at the Environment Agency on 0113 213 4964.