Farmers across the UK have been playing their part to clear the roads, unfreeze water pipes and provide emergency help to those who need it during the adverse weather.
The Met Office issued a red warning for snow – the highest level of warning – for parts of southwest England and South Wales on Thursday into Friday.
And there are 10 severe weather warnings in place for the UK. The final warning is in force until 23:55 GMT on Monday.
The warning is for a combination of widespread heavy snow and very strong easterly winds bringing blizzard conditions and drifting.
As the heavy snow and freezing temperatures sweep the nation, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) said it is supporting farmers by providing updated online guidance on how to best cope with the effects of adverse weather on their farms and in their community.
In order to help farmers stay safe and take the best possible action, the guidance covers several consequences of severe weather, such as missed or failed milk collections and blocked roads, and advice on gritting roads and working in low temperatures.
'Businesses suffer'
NFU President Minette Batters said farmers are "pivotal" in the rural community, particularly during times of adverse weather.
“They will be playing their part to help clear roads, unfreeze water pipes and providing emergency help to those in need, all while caring for their own business and livestock,” Ms Batters said.
“Most businesses suffer during a cold snap and farming is no different. As many affected farmers will be trying to reach remote parts of their farms, I am urging everyone to remain as safe as possible and take the necessary precautions.
“However in many cases, it is inevitable that business as usual will be disrupted. The NFU is supporting its members to ensure that they have the information to remain safe during this time of severe weather.
“Rest assured, farmers and growers will still be working round the clock to ensure they are able to provide the public with a safe, affordable, traceable supply of British food.”
Farmer rescue
Suffolk farmer Kenny Crane has been helping clear the roads near Otley in his John Deere tractor.
He was suddenly called to rescue a nurse who became stuck in the thick snow.
“She had blood samples in her car and needed to get onto the A12 heading towards Colchester Hospital,” he told the East Anglian Daily Times.
“Her car was completely stuck, it was going nowhere. There was nowhere to go forward with her so I towed her all the way back to the B1078 at Clopton.”
Using his tractor helped clear the snow. He said: “It has big, wide tyres – it’s just the thing for the job.”
Scottish newspaper The Courier reporter Struan Nimmo said farmers "always come to the rescue" during times like this.
“Drifting snow is the problem in the Howe of Fife area. Luckily, Strathmiglo farmer Russell Black is helping out a neighbour by digging his track out,” he said.
Farmers in Lincolnshire are asking motorists stuck between Wrangle and Boston to "sit tight".
"We along with many other farmers are working to get you moving. But in the words of Gary Barlow 'Have a little Patience'," Gary Skipworth posted on Facebook.
Lincolnshire Rural Crime tweeted: "A farmer has just sent 3 teleporters, a tractor with snowplough & second tractor for towing. All on way from Horncastle towards Louth. Thank you! #ProudToBeLincs"
