The Manx National Farmers’ Union says the island’s farming sector is already feeling the impact of reduced freight capacity while the Manxman is in dry dock until September.
MNFU Secretary Sarah Comish said the change is causing immediate problems for livestock movements. She said the reduced space “does impact, especially with cull cows going out.”
Isle of Man Meats pays only realisation on cull cows, so many are normally exported for processing. Some of those loads have now been cancelled, leaving animals on farm or forcing them through the local plant. “That’s a loss of income,” she said.
Not Just Livestock
Comish said farmers are also worried about winter wheat seed arriving on time, with delays already showing. She highlighted ongoing issues with supermarket trailers being prioritised over essential freight such as fertilizer and animal feed.
She said the disruption is landing on a sector already under pressure. “It’s going to hit the industry hard, an industry that can’t afford to be hit hard. Most of the time people just try to suck it up, but there’s only so much you can manage.”
Comish said farmers are planning ahead despite the uncertainty. “Farmers, as always, are thinking a lot further ahead than anyone in government.”
