The lack of rain is becoming increasingly alarming for farmers in the southeastern parts of the country.
There, the National Federation of Farmers (LRF) will now hold several crisis meetings a week.
– It gets worse every day, says farmer Folke Pleijert outside Hultsfred.
The cows’ pastures are burnt out. The grain has stopped. And the worry, it grows.
At farmer Folke Pleijert in Tveta outside Hultsfred, the situation is critical.
– We are used to early summer droughts and all summer droughts, but this year is worse than ever, he says.
The situation worsens every day
Right now, only grass grows where Folke Pleijert had the opportunity to irrigate. Already last year he was forced to reduce the number of cows to ensure they got food. And with additional fodder shortages and rampant electricity costs for the water pumps, the situation worsens every day.
Digital crisis meetings
Many are now in the same dire straits, according to LRF Southeast, which is holding a series of digital crisis meetings this week to try to assist as best it can.
– We can help with authority contacts, if it is possible to get a dispensation to harvest certain protection zones to get fodder, give tips on fodder brokers and bank contacts. But perhaps above all be there for our members. Many are feeling bad now, says Roger Gustafsson, chairman of LRF Sydost.
– It is important to feel that you are not alone in this, confirms Folke Pleijert.
– But in the end, it’s only rain from above that can help us now, he continues.