We’re here to help, says RSABI

The chief of rural charity RSABI has urged wet weather stricken farmers and crofters not to suffer in silence.

The charity, which provides assistance to those who work or have worked the land, said it was very concerned about the welfare of farmers facing a devastating harvest due to wet weather in recent months.

Incessant rainfall in some parts of Scotland has resulted in this summer being the fifth wettest on record.

RSABI chief executive Nina Clancy said she was particularly concerned about growers in Aberdeenshire and Moray, and livestock producers on the west coast who had not yet managed to make first-cut silage.

“I would like to remind people that we are here to help,” said Ms Clancy.

“There is no doubt people are suffering financially and emotionally.

“RSABI is aware of what is happening and we are here if you need us, even if it is just for a listening ear.

“We provide emotional, practical and financial support to those in the agricultural sector including farming, crofting and growing.

“RSABI’S confidential and non-judgmental support is delivered to individuals on a one-to-one basis by experienced staff and volunteers.”

She encouraged any farmer or crofter struggling to cope to contact the charity via its free and confidential helpline on 0300 111 4166.

Meanwhile, farmers union NFU Scotland (NFUS) said wet weather was causing heartache for producers across all parts of Scotland, from Shetland to Stranraer.

Reported problems include substantial amounts of cereal and potato harvest still to be completed and ground conditions making ploughing and planting of winter crops difficult.

There are also significant volumes of straw still to be baled, and many farmers have not yet begun, let alone finished, silage-making.

NFUS said this could lead to a shortage of winter bedding and forage for livestock producers.

The union said the problem was exacerbated by the fact many farmers had been forced to bring stock inside earlier than usual due to wet ground conditions.