Some recent fires on farmland have put livestock in danger and while farmers have managed to move their animals to safety, it has had devastating impacts on fields, nesting birds and wildlife.
The NFU is working with fire services, local councils, and other stakeholders to tackle the issue where there have already been several wildfires over the last two weeks following periods of warm, dry weather.
NFU member and livestock farmer Chris Crowther who farms in Greenfield said: “The recent wildfires have been really alarming.
“I think it is really worrying when we have livestock out on the fields sometimes, we don’t know their exact location and our priority is their welfare, so we have to act quickly mostly at night.
“The fires also damage good fertile land which we won’t be able to use or put cattle back out on until it recovers, so it has a massive impact on us financially and it’s the mental strain too – we just want to look after our animals and produce food.”
People are being urged to take extra care to avoid causing fires in the countryside, not to light fireworks, barbecues and bonfires on moorland, or leave any glass on the ground.
NFU County Adviser for West Riding Jennifer Costello said: “As well as putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk, the impact of a fire can disrupt farm businesses for years.
“A lot of farms today frequently have larger quantities of flammable straw and other crops often stored close to tractors and other high-value equipment so if a fire spreads it has devastating impact.
“The NFU is part of working group with other key stakeholders to look at this ongoing problem.
"There needs to be extreme care when people are out in the countryside because anything can catch fire in this weather.”
The Lancashire and Yorkshire countryside offers a multitude of benefits to the public, including exercise and recreation, the opportunity to learn about where our food comes from and how our stunning landscapes are maintained.
The NFU worked to bring the Countryside Code up to date and to help address issues like wildfires, livestock worrying and littering.
Mr Crowther added: “We’re grateful for the fire services who have acted quickly and been working with local farmers.
“We’re asking the public to enjoy the countryside but please think about the wildlife and your surroundings.”