Concern for crops and animals after delays to feed and fertiliser deliveries
A recent backlog of freight at Heysham Port has caused issues for farmers on the Island who've been left waiting for vital supplies of feed and fertiliser.
The Manx National Farmers Union says it's caused delays to the planting of winter crops and even lead to animal welfare concerns.
The group has commended the Isle of Man Steam Packet for clearing the backlog which it says has been going on for 'a few weeks'.
But MNFU General Secretary, Sarah Comish, says the impact has already been felt.
She told Manx Radio: "A lot of farms that had feed and fertilizer booked to come over for this time of year haven't been able to get the product over.
"If they don't arrive around the time of year that you're going to need them, that really does impact on all crop growth.
"Some of it goes into milling wheat as well, and that has a knock on effect into the winter."
One of the farms affected by the backlog is Rhendhoo Farm in Jurby, home to Allanson's Manx Produce.
Farmer, James Allanson, explained why the application of fertiliser is so important: "Winter barley, for example, you want to have that fertilizer on as soon as the ground's dry because the yield for barley comes from early growth and development.
"And when there's a slight backlog like there was, it pushes back that application. So the plant's not getting the nutrients when it needs and it results in a reduced yield.
"The longer you leave it, the more your yield is going to be reduced."
He says they were able to borrow some fertiliser from a neighbouring farm, but admits others won't be in a position to do that:
"There's no point in us just arguing between it. We need to work together to understand how we can help each other."
Like the Manx National Farmers' Union, Mr Allanson has also praised the communication from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company:
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