FARMERS must take care making silage this summer following a dry start to the year, according to the Environment Agency.

Tim Pickering, principal officer for the agency in the Midlands, praised the recent record of farmers tackling effluent silage pollution but warned of potential problems.

He said: "After a very dry start to the season, grass has now grown quickly leading to a high moisture content and the recent unsettled weather may disrupt wilting.

"Both of these factors can increase effluent volumes substantially and some farmers could get caught out."

He urged farmers to wilt grass as much as possible, check drains for leaking effluent and ensure collection channels and drains do not become blocked.