RCF provides £35,793 to fund support for farmers impacted by drought and bluetongue
The RCF has announced £35,793 of new funding for nine farm support groups in affected areas, to allow them to deliver targeted help to farming families dealing with the impacts of drought and bluetongue.
These farm support groups are deeply embedded in the rural communities they serve and this new funding will go towards a range of activities, tailored to the needs of the local area.
Many groups are using the funding to organise workshops for farmers on bluetongue preparedness and management with experienced vets, looking at how to identify bluetongue, vaccination strategies, movement restrictions and potential impact on breeding sales.
A number of groups are also organising workshops on drought resilience, focusing on how farms can manage water shortages, how best to protect livestock from extreme heat, how to make the best use of forage stocks and feed over the winter, and how to drought-proof farms for the future.
Most groups are also using the funding to support one-to-one visits and access to advisors, as well as more wellbeing-focused events that bring farmers together to support one another, access mental health support, and share ideas.
The nine groups which are receiving new RCF funding are:
- Exmoor Hill Farming Network, awarded £4,000.
- Farm Cornwall, awarded £4,000.
- Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, awarded £4,000.
- Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, awarded £3,793.
- The Arthur Rank Centre, awarded £4,000.
- Tir Dewi, awarded £4,000.
- The Farmer Network, awarded £4,000.
- The Farming Life Centre, awarded £4,000.
- Wight Rural Hub, awarded £4,000.
Keith Halstead, Chief Executive of The Royal Countryside Fund, said:
“The summer may be over but the impact of this year’s drought will continue to be felt by family farms even through next year. The growth of crops and grass has been poor in many areas, the toll on livestock has been immense, and this winter many farmers will be facing winter forage shortages. At the same time there are currently over 1,200 potential cases of bluetongue under investigation across Great Britain, putting further strain on livestock farmers.
“The RCF is here to support smaller family farms and many of these farm businesses are currently struggling. That’s why we’ve awarded this emergency funding to provide immediate support through farm support groups in our network who are best placed to deliver what’s needed in each area.”
“Times of crisis show just how important farm support groups are. These organisations are embedded in their local farming communities, so they understand completely the impact that drought and bluetongue are having, and can then tailor the most effective type of support exactly where it is most needed. We’re very proud to support and work alongside so many incredible organisations run by such dedicated and energetic farming people.”
Later in September, representatives from these organisations and other groups from across the UK will gather at the RCF’s annual Farm Support Group Conference, which this year takes place in Hampshire.
The conference, now in its seventh year, brings together groups from across the UK to network, share knowledge and resources, and discuss the key issues currently facing farming communities.
Find out more about the RCF’s longstanding work with FSGs here.
Get more information on how the RCF has previously helped farm businesses to build drought resilience here.