Welsh Assembly Government Agriculture Bulletin – Steps announced to make it easier for livestock farmers who are facing severe problems as a result of freezing weather conditions to feed their animals.
Farmers in agri-environment schemes which normally impose restrictions on supplementary feeding will now be able to give their livestock additional feed to help maintain animal welfare during the cold period. This is a temporary relaxation and takes immediate effect for the duration of the severe cold weather.
Wherever possible, land not under agri-environment land management options should be used first for supplementary feeding. Where this is not possible, agri-environment land can now be used for supplementary feeding but to reduce damage to environmental features the Welsh Assembly Government is offering the following guidance:
- Supplementary feeding areas should be moved whenever possible;
- Any leftover forage should be completely removed to reduce damage to the sward after the snow has thawed;
- Feeding should not take place on archaeological features;
- On moorland and common land, where landowners restrict the practice of supplementary feeding, graziers should consider whether to inform them of their intention to feed during this period of adverse weather;
- Farmers on SSSI-designated land must contact the Countryside Council for Wales before undertaking supplementary feeding.
Supplementary feeding may continue for four days after the snow has cleared if the ground remains frozen. It should cease once the ground thaws. The relaxation of the supplementary feeding rules will remain in force until 31 January 2010. If the severe weather conditions persist further notifications will be issued.
As required by Cross Compliance, farmers should not carry out unsuitable supplementary feeding, i.e. supplementary feeding that adversely affects the quality or diversity of natural or semi natural vegetation through trampling, poaching or rutting caused by vehicles.
Farmers seeking further information should contact their local Divisional Office.
