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If the past weeks of adverse weather have left you struggling financially, R.A.B.I is here to help.

Sheep farmers in the north have been hit hard by the harsh winter. Tom Armstrong, regional welfare officer for the north of England, spoke to a number of worried farmers at a recent farmhouse breakfast event in Northumberland.

“People weren’t prepared for the snow and many farmers lost sheep in snow drifts,” Tom said. “They are dreading lambing. The numbers will be down, which will have a knock on effect for farmers later in the year when they come to sell their stock.”

“On top of that, this has been a long, wet winter. The grass hasn’t started to grow yet, so farmers are paying for extra feed for the surviving sheep – an expense they normally wouldn’t have at this time of year. That can put a strain on finances so many on low incomes are struggling to pay domestic bills.”

During a crisis R.A.B.I can help those in financial hardship by providing grants for immediate domestic and household expenses. While we cannot help specifically with business costs, if the harsh winter has left you or someone you know who works in farming unable to pay household bills please call our Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490. In Scotland farmers can call R.S.A.B.I on 0300 111 4166.

Tom added: “It does affect your mental wellbeing when these things happen, but it’s important for farmers to know that they’re not alone. R.A.B.I is here to help.”