A FARMING union leader has warned 2012 has been a "desperately difficult and trying year" for the industry after record rainfall severely affected crop yields.
Nigel Miller of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland made the claim after a survey of 450 members revealed that 50% needed extra cash for their businesses after torrential rain damaged crops.
Speaking at the AgriScot farming event in Ingliston, near Edinburgh, Mr Miller said: "For those with crops, the relentless rain endured over many months has hammered crop yields and quality, driven significant costs into harvesting, left many crops still standing in the fields and winter seed in the shed unsown."
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