FARMERS in Ludlow and south Shropshire are facing a real crisis because of the unusually prolonged hot and dry summer.

This is the concern of Richard Huffer, who farms on Clee Hill and is also the Shropshire Councillor for the area.

He was speaking to the ‘Advertiser’ at the Burwarton Show.

Mr Huffer farms beef cattle and sheep.

“This is a real crisis and will almost certainly result in higher food prices down the line,” said Mr Huffer.

He said that farmers are already having to use feed that had been put aside for animals in the winter.

“Because of the lack of rain there is a shortage of grass for the animals to eat. Even if it starts to rain heavily now it is in reality likely to be too late.

He said that farmers are having to reduce the number of animals they keep because of the crisis.