Prolonged Drought Causing Problems for Local Arable and Livestock Farmers

Published on: 31 Jul, 2018
Updated on: 1 Aug, 2018

Andrew Maiklem pictured August 2017

Arable farmers in West Surrey are reporting an early wheat harvest, producing generally high-quality grain but lower yields. Many crops saw no rain for more than two months in the recently ended summer heatwave.

Many wheat crops are seeing yields down 15-20% across southeastern England, the area worst hit by soaring temperatures. Millers are having to work out how to process such dry and brittle grain.

Andrew Maiklam, who farms fields in Effingham, said he, along with his farming colleagues, were experiencing the same problems. He added: “Hopefully we don’t have a hard winter as hay and straw is likely to be in short supply. This could also affect the equestrian industry too!”

Farm leaders are seeking urgent action from the UK government to address the crippling impact of the dry, hot weather which is affecting livestock farming too.

Following a prolonged wet winter, ten weeks of scorching weather has resulted in severely reduced grass growth and livestock farmers being forced to dip into winter fodder supplies.

Reports of farm boreholes, wells, ponds and ditches running dry and livestock fertility issues due to heat stress have piled on the agony.