Driver shortage could hit grain uplift

With considerable potential for the uplift of grain from farms to be slower than normal this year due to the loss of handling facilities and the on-going shortage of lorry drivers, producers have been advised to think ahead.

Speaking this week NFU Scotland combinable crop policy manager, David Michie said that with many crops looking set to ripen at the same time this year, growers should speak to their buyers sooner rather than later and let them know if delayed uplift would be an issue.

He also advised farmers to contact their local machinery ring and let them know if they were either short of space or alternatively if they had space to spare.

“Lots of grain coming in at the same time could result in logistical challenges and early communication can help manage and mitigate these,” said Michie.Ian Muirhead, who represents the agricultural traders’ organisation, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) in Scotland, said that taking a proactive approach now would help prevent problems later, adding: “Good communication in the grain supply chain is the first step to finding solutions to any problems which may occur”.Machinery rings could also help ease the strain, with Ringlink Scotland’s Graham Bruce also advising early action.

“Harnessing the existing grain storage capacity of farms can buffer against any supply chain disruptions in this uncertain year. If you have any spare room for storage on your farm, then think about how you can support other Scottish arable farmers”.