Drought in UK forces early use of winter livestock feed

Prolonged drought conditions across the United Kingdom are forcing farmers and conservationists to use winter livestock feed months earlier than planned due to stalled grass growth.

In Mid Wales, dairy farmers report significant impacts on milk production, water supplies, and grass yields. Glenn Lloyd of Daisy Bank Dairy noted that the extreme heat and dryness have made operations difficult, necessitating a re-evaluation of farm investments and the potential need for cooling infrastructure like fans to protect livestock.

In Cambridgeshire, the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate has reported a total failure in hay production from its meadows, marking its third major drought in five years. The estate has seen grain yields drop by approximately 25% and straw production fall from 200 bales to 60. To combat these climate pressures, the Trust is accelerating resilience projects, including tree planting, enhanced rainwater retention, and selective breeding to help livestock better withstand dry conditions.