Merseyside Farmer Faces Challenges Due to Extreme Weather and Arson
Arable farmer Olly Harrison from Tarbock, near Prescot on Merseyside, is grappling with the impacts of extreme weather conditions, including three heatwaves this year. These conditions have significantly reduced his crop yield, forcing him to process crops further to make them sellable, which incurs additional costs. Harrison has diversified his farm's income streams to cope with these challenges, including ventures like dog walking fields, office rentals, and recycling tree waste. His YouTube channel, Olly Blogs Agricontract, also contributes to his income, helping him afford necessary farming equipment. Despite these efforts, Harrison expresses concern about the sustainability of farming in the North West due to the unpredictable climate. Additionally, his fields have been targeted by arsonists during the latest heatwave, exacerbating his challenges.