Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that “unrelenting” wet weather means farmers are facing continued financial pressure.
Lockhart, who is the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) environment, food and rural affairs Westminster representative, welcomed reassurance from banking institutions that they are aware of the financial pressure on farmers because of the weather.
Ulster Bank agricultural manager, Cormac McKervey, recently said banks fully recognise that the weather is outside the control of local farmers.
Lockhart said she was pleased that banks have committed to taking a “sympathetic and lenient approach” under the circumstances.
“It has been impossible to get cattle turned out to spring grass, leaving many herd and flock owners facing crippling bills for extra forage and concentrates,” she said.
“Others are facing the prospects of repairing agricultural sheds and fences damaged during the storms. Banks now need to honour their commitment and work alongside those worst impacted.
“Unfortunately, many of our high street banks have disappeared and it is getting more difficult to have that face-to-face relationship with your account manager. I welcome the commitment, but want to see this help and support actually being offered.”
‘Persistent wet weather’
Lockhart said livestock farmers, and those involved in the arable, fruit and vegetable sectors are facing continued financial pressure as a result of storms and floods caused by the “persistent wet weather”.
Many crops were significantly reduced or lost, she said, as fields were “impassable” at harvest time.
“2023 was a challenging year for farmers and growers in Northern Ireland, and the first few months of 2024 haven’t been much better,” she said.
She continued: “We experienced the wettest July on record and since then unseasonable weather conditions have prevailed.
“The unrelenting wet weather has left fields waterlogged, with farmers and contractors unable to carry out spring chores such as slurry spreading and fertiliser sowing.
“The conditions have also led to a delay in planting crops such as potatoes, with one leading supplier in my constituency forecasting a shortage of potatoes in the coming months.”
Cash flow on many farms has been depleted and debt is mounting, Lockhart said.
“Bovine TB is also widespread, leaving many herd owners unable to sell cattle to raise much-need capital.
“It is a worrying time for farming families, with many feeling overwhelmed and isolated. I would urge anyone who finds themselves unable to cope with the economic pressure to reach out to their local agricultural bank manager.”