The Farmers Mart Feb/Mar 2014 - Issue 32 | Page 6

industry news FARMERS & OTHERS RALLY TO HELP SW FLOOD VICTIMS In a magnificent show of support, farmers and businesses from across the country have rallied to help the flood victims of England’s South West. They have sent forage to Sedgemoor Livestock Market and to Cannington, Somerset, from where donations are being sent out to those in need. After talking to their Somerset counterparts at the Young Farmers’ Conference, young farmers in Essex went into action, texting requests for donations of feed and bedding. Somerset Young Farmers rallied support from those unaffected by the floods in their own region with fodder and a collection of £368.20. Trailer-loads of feed have been sent to those in need with the help of Avis Contracting. Farm manager Jake Freestone of Overbury Estates loaded 80 bales onto a wagon that hauliers D.E O’Reilly transported for free to Somerset. Andrew Ward, NFU member and founder of #forageaid in 2013, has worked tirelessly to boost support on Twitter. He has coordinated many loads already with the aid of Tesco transport. Two tractors and trailers have travelled from West Yorkshire to Somerset to deliver silage, haylage, hay and straw with the load carrying the Back British Farming message. NFU member and one of the drivers for the 225-mile journey, Philip Rowbottom, said: “Hopefully our journey will help highlight the solidarity we all feel with those farmers in Somerset who are facing such tough times. The cost of the diesel is being met by local farmers and the Wakefield NFU branch.” Individuals and businesses with no connection to farming have also shown tremendous generosity - practical help, money and clothing donations. Supermarkets Tesco and Morrisons have offered help to their suppliers with their fleet of trucks and Asda has donated £5,000 to the Addington Fund. NFU SW regional director, Melanie Squires, said: “The support for farmers going through this crisis has been immense and the people that you’re helping could not be more grateful. “But the implications of the floods are not just immediate...Ongoing assistance will be necessary for these farms to survive. Your fodder might be just as useful in the coming weeks as it is right now, communication and organisation is key so that your generosity can make the most impact.” Tesco urges farmers to call 0800 072 6684 if they need help. East Yorkshire Machinery Ltd. Agricultural Dealers Welton Service Station, Hull Road, Shiptonthorpe, East Yorkshire YO43 3PS Because our stock changes so fast you may want to phone us with your requirement Tel & Fax: 01430 650 072 Mob: 07747 181 821 E: [email protected] www.eastyorkshiremachinery.com 6 Feb/Mar 2014 FarmersMart To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk