Widespread Heat and Drought Impact Farms, Reduce Hay, Milk Yields UK

Farmers across the UK are facing severe challenges due to the unusually hot and dry weather conditions in 2025, with significant impacts on livestock and crop yields. In Cornwall, dairy farmer Kate Hoare reported that extreme heat forced her to keep cows indoors, negatively affecting milk production as the animals expend energy trying to cool down. Meanwhile, in Yorkshire, Angela Serino, director of Beetle Bank Open Farm & Wild Sanctuary, highlighted that one of the driest years on record has slashed hay yields to less than a quarter of the usual amount, forcing her to consider selling more animals and facing substantial additional feed costs. The dry weather has prompted concerns of a broader drought, with Scotland experiencing wildfire warnings and farmers nationwide grappling with reduced harvests and resource scarcity. Some farmers are contemplating irrigation systems to mitigate future risks, but high costs and uncertain weather patterns complicate these decisions. Overall, the situation underscores the growing vulnerability of British agriculture to extreme weather events, stressing both the animals and farm economics.