FARMERS in Oxfordshire are in financial danger because they are too well-informed on a national level about foot and mouth disease, say business experts, writes Chris Koenig

Dairy consultants Andrew Thompson and Charlotte Dereham of Promar International, whose area includes Oxfordshire, say that farmers are suffering from 'information overload' and failing to take appropriate action.

Promar says they should focus on their businesses and work on matters that they themselves can influence.

The consultants add that limited or no movement of stock is blocking farmers' income, particularly on mixed farms with cattle, sheep, or pigs. And the longer stock remains on farms, the higher costs will grow.

They say it is essential to plan ahead and to reforecast cashflow predictions. Once the size of the problem has been estimated it will become easier to work on and define suitable solutions.

Possible belt-tightening exercises include bringing forward receipts from other farm activities such as grain or straw sales, obtaining better prices from suppliers and purchasers and chasing outstanding bills owed by debtors. They should also check if benefits such as working family tax credit, council tax benefit or rent rebate allowance may be claimed.

The consultants also suggest that farmers should also examine whether farming systems are running as cost-effectively as possible.

Promar International, together with the National Farmers' Union, runs a freephone helpline on 0800 646363. Its website may be visited at www.promar-find.co.uk