FUW ARABLE FARMER ENGAGED IN CROPS SALVAGE OPERATION

Pembrokeshire arable farmer Bryn Rees and his son Phil are currently engaged in a "salvage operation" of their weather-hit harvest as they face the extra costs of bringing in and drying their crops following continuous wet weather for several weeks.

Rain and the lack of sunshine have prolonged this year's grim harvest with many farmers forced to combine crops at far higher moisture contents than usual, said Bryn, who represents the county on the the Farmers' Union of Wales farm tourism and diversification committee.

He and Phil have only been able to harvest about one-third of the 150 acres of barley and wheat and 30 acres of maize on their mixed farm near Haverfordwest.

"We've had one wet day after another here for weeks until earlier this week so it's only now that we can have a clear run in what can only be described as a salvage operation. Ideally, we will need five to six dry days to make any real impact on our harvest.

"But whatever the weather we are going to have to use the gas-guzzling drying machine for some four weeks. Together with the huge increase in fuel costs for the combine and baler we are already looking to much poorer returns than last year," said Bryn, of Creampots, Broad Haven.

He gave a lukewarm welcome to the temporary exemption from the cross compliance requirement restricting vehicles on waterlogged soil in Wales which is aimed at helping farmers to complete their harvest.

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones announced the temporary exemption, granted because of the exceptional weather conditions, will last until 4 October, 2008, subject to review.

She agreed the recent weather conditions, with rainfall far and above average for this time of year, are creating problems for farmers, particularly those harvesting crops.