Devon farmers face drought and disease crisis

Devon farmers drought bluetongue disease climate change hosepipe ban

Farmers in Devon are facing significant challenges due to a combination of severe drought and disease outbreaks. The Met Office has identified 2026 as the driest year on record for the county, leading to exceptionally low river flows and a declared drought. Consequently, a hosepipe ban is currently in effect across the region.

In addition to water shortages, the warm and dry weather has facilitated the spread of bluetongue disease. This viral infection, transmitted by midges, affects various ruminants and camelids. Devon is reported to be the most heavily affected county in England by this outbreak.

South Devon Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden has called on the Prime Minister to increase efforts to combat climate change and help the agricultural sector adapt to shifting weather patterns. Voaden highlighted the difficulties farmers face in securing water permits from the Environment Agency and emphasized the need for better reservoir infrastructure to protect water supplies during summer months.

Entities

Caroline Voaden · Devon · Environment Agency · Met Office · River Dart

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Met Office reported that 2026 is the driest year on record for Devon. www.dartmouth-today.co.uk · www.southhams-today.co.uk · www.totnes-today.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Bluetongue disease, spread by midges, is affecting livestock in Devon. www.dartmouth-today.co.uk · www.southhams-today.co.uk · www.totnes-today.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Devon is the worst-affected county in England regarding the bluetongue disease outbreak. www.dartmouth-today.co.uk · www.southhams-today.co.uk · www.totnes-today.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] A hosepipe ban is currently in force across Devon. www.dartmouth-today.co.uk · www.southhams-today.co.uk · www.totnes-today.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] South Devon MP Caroline Voaden stated that local farmers are being pushed to their limit by consecutive crises. www.dartmouth-today.co.uk · www.southhams-today.co.uk · www.totnes-today.co.uk

Sources

North Cotswolds MP warns difficult harvest could put food security at risk [www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk]

14 days ago

Devon Farmers 'Pushed to the Limit' by Crisis [www.dartmouth-today.co.uk]

15 days ago

Devon Farmers 'Pushed to the Limit' by Crisis [www.southhams-today.co.uk]

15 days ago

Devon Farmers 'Pushed to the Limit' by Crisis [www.totnes-today.co.uk]

15 days ago