Rain means sheep are not dry enough to have fleeces clipped

Livestock and crops have been left vulnerable to illness and disease by heavy rain, which has hit both areas.

Two blight warnings have been issued for potato growers, but rain has prevented spraying against the disease.

Colin Mason, chairman of the National Farmers' Union Scotland's Highland region, said hopes were now pinned on an improvement in the next 10 days.

He said: "Current operations for livestock farmers should be cutting silage and hay.

There is still potential for a tremendous harvest Colin Manson NFUS Highland region

"But there is no hay cut and what has been cut has been weathered out of all existence. The quality of grass is deteriorating and is going to seed now."

Mr Manson, who farms near Forres, said cattle were at risk from staggers, a problem related to poor-quality feed and the cold.

Rain has also delayed sheep having fleeces sheared.

Mr Manson said: "The spring barley should be getting its third and final spray to protect the ears but the ground is so wet it has not been possible to do that, leaving the crop open to disease.

"The winter barley is only two weeks from harvest and someone was telling me that there has not been enough sunshine to fill out the grain."

Potato growers have received two warnings about blight, a fungal disease that thrives in damp conditions.

A lack of sun may also be impacting on fruit growers, said Mr Manson.

Drier weather

He added: "The bad weather is mainly affecting the east. Normally just now south-west air streams give us a milder climate, but we've had this system out of the north-east which is strange.

"They tell me it is a hiccup in the Atlantic Drift, but I'm not so sure having had this system for so long."

Mr Manson said the bad spell had to be put in context given the major flooding that had affected areas of England.

He added: "There is still potential for a tremendous harvest."