Drought impact could last for years

Animal feed and bedding shortage

There are fears an extremely dry summer could set the agriculture industry back by a generation.

Although the period of drought is over, the Manx National Farmers Union has predicted it will take farm owners up to three years to recover financially - and another decade to return to full stability.

The unprecedented hot weather has triggered an animal feed and bedding shortage, prompting many to sell off their livestock.

Government gave eligible farmers an advance on their subsidy payments earlier in the year.

But MNFU General Secretary Andrew Cooper says many are still counting the cost.