Farmers issued with water advice as river levels drop

FARMERS AND land managers have been issued with advice after river levels continued to drop during the prolonged dry weather.

Countryside campaign group the CLA is encouraging its members who depend on mains water or private supply to check their rent or tenancy agreement to find any rights or obligations which might affect them.

Members are also being advised to contact the Environment Agency for clarification if they have any concerns.

Weather conditions across Yorkshire continued to remain dry and hot yesterday, with temperatures reaching 28C. The outlook across the region for the next five days is for more dry and sunny conditions.

CLA director for the North Dorothy Fairburn said: “The recent heat and low rainfall have had an impact on farm businesses and rural areas, as well as on fish and other wildlife.

“A shortage of grass growth for cattle and sheep, and reduced hay and silage, will put pressure on winter feed stocks. In addition, cereal crops are drying off, leading to reduced yields that are also of poorer quality. It will take the best part of 12 months to get over the impacts of the extreme weather conditions experienced over the last few months.

“While dry weather continues there is an increased risk of wildfires, and we’ve urged our members and the public to be extra vigilant in the countryside.”