SUB ZERO temperatures are “severely hampering” deliveries to Dorset farms, union chiefs reveal.

As the big freeze grips the south west, farmers across the county are experiencing problems with Dorset’s icy, isolated lanes.

National Farmers Union county chairman Andy Foot said: “Diary farmers are having particular difficulties if the roads are snowy or icy. Getting their milk collected on time can be a real problem.

“Any of the more intensive farms that need regular supplies - including diary, pig and poultry – are being affected.”

Mr Foot, of Bookham Farm, Buckland Newton, says several farmers have been forced to tow lorries in and out of their farms with tractors.

He also revealed some of the snow plough attachments, distributed to farmers by Dorset County Council, are poorly maintained or so dated they no longer fit modern tractors.

“The problem is many of these snow ploughs were issued years ago,” said Mr Foot.

“In the past we were able to better keep rural roads open, but because we’ve had a long run of mild winters, many of these snow ploughs have not been serviced, so cannot be fitted to new tractors.

“They have the old fittings that don’t fit the newer tractors.”

However, county council traffic boss Geoffrey Brierley said more than 50 of the 70 county-distributed snow ploughs are ready to run.

Cllr Brierley explained: “These ploughs are maintained by the council in the summer months, but where the tractors are exchanged of new ones are bought, we have to put new fittings on the plough to adjust to the new tractor.”

Selected farmers are contracted, by the county council, to clear snow if it reaches more than 5cm deep.

Aside from the roads situation, plunging temperatures are not badly affecting day-to-day running of farms.

Mr Foot said: “You can take precautions by lagging water pipes and most farmers have generators if the power goes off – the biggest problem remains keeping the road network open.”