Have you assessed your grain storage requirements for harvest 2021 asks Crops Policy Manager David Michie?

There is the potential for grain uplift disruption this year. By acting now, NFU Scotland members can do their bit to prevent this.

• Speak to your grain buyer sooner rather than later and let them know your situation
• Contact your local machinery ring and let them know if you are short of space, or if you have spare space
  

The shortage of lorry drivers in the UK has hit the headlines recently and there are some concerns that this could extend to grain haulage.

In addition, this year’s growing conditions might result in crops being ready to cut at similar times, leading to a short and very busy harvest.

Lots of grain coming in at the same time could result in logistical challenges, and early communication can help manage and mitigate these.

As harvest approaches, we urge our members to think about their capacity to store grain. Have you got plenty of storage, or might you need a bit more if lorries are delayed? Can you maintain quality if there are delays?

If you think that you are going to be tight for space then it is a good idea to let your grain buyer know sooner rather than later. AIC Scotland’s Ian Muirhead says that taking a proactive approach now will help prevent problems later and “good communication in the grain supply chain is the first step to finding solutions to any problems which may occur”.

If you know you definitely need storage, or you definitely have space to store more grain, then you can get in touch with your local Machinery Ring -  https://scottishmachineryrings.co.uk/contact/ - and let them know.

Ringlink Scotland’s Graham Bruce said it is important to act now adding: “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”.