The Farmers Mart Aug-Sep 2019 - Issue 64 | Page 35

ARABLE 35 • AUG/SEP 2019 Cauliflowers and cabbages likely to run short as growers battle with increasingly volatile weather CAULIFLOWER, sprouts, white and red cabbages are likely to be in short supply due to extreme weather conditions. A spokesman for the Brassica Growers Association described the situation as very concerning. June saw record amounts of rainfall in Lincolnshire – as much as 6 inches in a week. This resulted in flooded and damaged crops which has led to a shortening of supply. Crops can with- stand a reasonable amount of variation in weather but the conditions in June were too much and as a result crops have suffered, and this is leading to a shortage of supply. Ironically the supply situ- ation has been made even more difficult by extreme temperatures on the con- tinent. In an ordinary year, parts of Europe would make up any shortfall in the UK supply chain, but Europe has been experiencing its own weather extremes. While the UK was contend- ing with flood conditions, Europe was suffering from record temperatures. Crops thrive best on a balance of warmth, light and water. Last year, we experienced the Beast from the East followed by a record dry spell and extreme temperatures. This year we started with a dry winter and an early spring but then moved into a period of record rainfall and low light levels followed by record breaking tem- peratures. These extreme variations don’t make for ideal growing conditions. A spokesman said there is only so much technol- ogy that can be applied to producing food and the weather will always have the upper hand. No amount of planning or programming can account for the conditions we have seen over the past couple of seasons. Growers start the season with a clear plan to provide customers with quantity and quality of produce they are looking for. But when the weather turns against you and that plan goes off track, there is virtually nothing that can be done to rectify the situation. The situation has been aggravated by the reduction of area being planted due to poor returns over the last few years. Growers only grow just enough for their customer programmes and when there are issues due to the weather this leaves a shortage which cannot be filled. RITCHIE COMBI CLAMP AND TRAILER for a happier, quieter and safer way to handle sheep. • Substantially reduce body stress for operator and animals, anywhere • Save time and animal stress by managing sheep in the field • The Combi Clamp Trailer can carry additional hurdles for drafting, as pictured Combi Clamp pictured with the Combi Clamp Trailer and optional extras Contact us today for more info 01307 462271 • [email protected] • www.ritchie-d.co.uk