North Essex: credit crunches farmers (From Gazette)

North Essex: credit crunches farmers

9:00am Saturday 11th October 2008

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A WET summer and rising production costs have left farmers in Essex feeling the pinch.

Heavy rain throughout August and the first two weeks of September prevented arable farmers in the county from combining their harvest on time, with some still harvesting now – a month later than usual.

It has affected the quality of crops, such as wheat, potatoes and peas and, in turn, sowing seeds for next year has also been delayed, which could affect future yields.

Combined with the rising price of fuel and fertiliser and lower prices for the finished product, it has been a gloomy time for the county’s farmers.

Simon Brice, vice-chairman of the Essex Country Land Owners’ Association, said it is a far cry from last year, when the prices they got for selling their produce were the best in a decade.

“This year, I think, after the wet harvest and fuel costs, a few are shellshocked when they see what the prices are,” said Mr Brice, who farms around Witham.

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