Fewer than expected animals have been slaughtered early due to the unusually dry weather, reports a business association for Swedish slaughterhouses.

The dry weather during May and June is putting an increasing strain on Sweden's farmers. There is a risk that several farms will have to close down.

Sweden's unusually warm and sunny May, which pushed the early varieties, which are normally timed to peak at Midsommar, to flower and fruit two weeks early.

Many cows might need to be slaughtered early due to a shortage grass for them to eat.