Beastly £161m toll on farmers

SCOTLAND’S farmers lost up to £161million last year due to the extreme weather, say researchers.

And scientists warn that they face more climate disruption for years to come.

An independent economic report said freak weather in 2017 and last year took its toll on livestock and yields of key crops.

Insurance covered only part of the £161million deficit. Sheep farmers were worst hit, with last year’s Beast from the East in the lambing season costing £45million.

Beef producers suffered a £28million knockback as the price of cattle feed rose, with many pastures under snow, followed by poor grass due to a heatwave only weeks later. Cereal farmers were also badly affected, to the tune of £34million. Added to that was structural damage as blizzards brought down roofs and water pipes burst.

Insurer NFU Mutual also reported a spike in wildfire damage during 2018’s dry summer and a 21 per cent surge last year in claims to a total of £31.5million.

Loss adjuster Agrical said weather-related claims included uncollected milk and sheep suffocated in snow drifts. NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick warned: ‘This kind of unpredictable weather could become more prevalent. NFU Scotland was at the front, launching the successful #NFUSHowDoYouPlan campaign.’

Dr Sheila George, of WWF Scotland, which launched the loss study, said: ‘Last year’s extremes will soon be the norm. That’s why it’s so important the Scottish Government acts now to [help] agriculture adapt.’

The Scottish Government said its aid included early loans, plus support for advisory services. A spokesman added: ‘We encourage all farmers, crofters and land managers to consider how to improve business resilience.’