The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Growers looking for rain to ‘kick-start’ their crops
Prolonged dry spell comes after challenging conditions for sowing
Scottish arable farmers are eagerly watching weather forecasts for news of some much-needed rain.
NFU Scotland’s (NFUS) combinable crops committee chairman Willie Thomson said growers were dealing with the impact of a prolonged dry period and crops were in need of moisture.
“Arable farmers are always exposed to the vagaries of the weather in Scotland but the good news is that all crops for harvest this autumn have now been planted and a bit more of the recent rain will give newly-sown crops the kick-start they need,” said Mr Thomson, who farms near Longniddry in East Lothian.
He said getting crops in the ground had not been easy, but growers had risen to the challenge.
“The weather has flipped from being too wet through the autumn and winter to too dry this spring,” added Mr Thomson.
“But we have adapted, higher costs around preparing the ground and seed beds have been taken on and cropping plans have been changed.”
Speaking following a virtual meeting of the NFUS combinable crops committee, Mr Thomson said it was vital the distilling and brewing sectors were fully operational again as soon
We are all looking forward to a return to more normal business... WILLIE THOMSON
as is safely possible once Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
“Like everyone else, we are all looking forward to a return to more normal business to allow the growing season and harvest, likely to commence in late July, to proceed without disruption,” added Mr Thomson.
“Beyond that, the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020 will bring new challenges, as will climate change.
“The sector remains forwardlooking and, with appropriate support from government, will continue to meet market demand and fulfil our responsibilities on climate change and the environment.”