Responding To Spring 2024 Wet Weather
The continuing wet weather throughout Scotland is having adverse effects on the agricultural sector. With a wetter than average spring come issues with lambing, calving, flooding and general farm management. This page collates a number of resources that should help you to navigate this challenging period.
If you or someone you know is finding this to be a difficult time, RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry. Their team are friendly, professional and all support is offered in confidence. They support people of all ages, including those affected by illness, accident, bereavement and those struggling with their mental wellbeing.
You are not alone. If you are struggling, call their helpline for support at 0808 1234 555
For specific enquiries or for more information about your options, phone the FAS advice line on 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot
The Advice Line is open between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday, or you can email anytime. It can provide up to 30 minutes of free advice, from a consultant, on a range of issues including technical and practical advice about coping with the wet weather.
Lambing
Whether your existing systems are under pressure due to the wet conditions, or you're having to adapt to new things such as lambing indoors for the first time, we have put together this pack of materials to help.
Calving and Calf Survival
FAS has produced a range of relevant resources that will be helpful for both suckled calf and dairy calf producers who are calving now.
Cattle Turnout and Grazing
These resources are aimed at both dairy and beef producers and include advice about dealing with wet conditions in the grazing platform, and minimising the risk of grass staggers at turnout.
Forage Production and Storage
Some farmers are running out of forage, or have found their forage stocks flooded, whilst others are concerned about the impact the wet spring will have on their ability to conserve enough forage for winter 24/25. These resources will help.
Bedding
Advice about managing and reducing straw usage, and the opportunities to use other bedding materials.
Managing Slurries and Manures
The waterlogged conditions mean it's more important than ever to carry out risk assessment before spreading manures and slurries.
Forward Planning for Higher Rainfalls
As higher rainfall events become more common, some farmers may find this a useful time to consider longer term strategies, and these resources are a good starting point.
Specialist Advice with Funding Available
Adapting and mitigating against climate change and extreme weather events is becoming more important for farming and crofting businesses. Through the Farm Advisory Service, you can receive grant funding to receive specialist advice to help you through periods of extreme weather on topics including:
Climate change adaptation and mitigation / soil and nutrient management
Heavy rainfall and flooding are causing a range of issues that affect crops and soils. Unstable banks and soil are at a high risk of being eroded by flood waters and heavy rainfall and waterlogged soil can lead to an increased risk of soil compaction and damaged soil structure.
Woodland management and conservation / biodiversity, habitat and landscape management
Studies in the UK have found that planting native broadleaved trees significantly improved soil infiltration. Trees support resilience to extreme rain events whilst also providing a wider range of other benefits to both yourself as a farmer or crofter and to wider society. Trees can reduce pollutants entering water courses following extreme rainfall and help to control flooding by improving soil infiltration and water retention.
Find out more about our specialist advice grants.
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