AGP Executive Report

Drought Support: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorised a £65m package for drought-hit farmers after England and Wales logged their driest July on record, with help aimed at sustainable farming incentives, reservoir building and better drought water access. Bluetongue Alarm: Liberal Democrat MP and vet Dr Danny Chambers has urged urgent action after bluetongue serotype 3 cases surged to 289 in the 2026/27 season and Scotland recorded its first confirmed cases, calling for expanded testing, faster vaccine supply and smoother surveillance. Heatwave Fallout: With the fifth heatwave of the year driving record dryness, farmers report grazing shortfalls and wildfire risks, while Europe-wide heat is also widening the gap between economic damage and what insurance typically pays out. Farm Policy Pressure: Conservative MP Stuart Anderson says Labour’s Farming Roadmap is a “missed opportunity,” pointing to low farmer optimism in the Farmer Opinion Tracker and warning that the “Family Farm Tax” and rising costs are undermining confidence. Port Redevelopment: Cardiff’s Port of Cardiff is seeking permission to demolish ABP’s Queens Way “fuel tank farm” at Greenergy Cardiff, removing 21 tanks and related buildings over an estimated eight to 12 weeks.

Drought & farm support: UK government has unveiled a £65m support package for drought-hit farmers, with Andy Burnham warning livelihoods are at breaking point and urging action on water and fire risk. Heat & crop pressure: Reports highlight record heat and drought conditions across England, with farmers warning water shortages are threatening potatoes, vegetables and wider food production. Livestock disease: Bluetongue is spreading, including confirmed cases in Scotland, driving calls for vaccination and tighter on-farm resilience planning. Workplace safety: BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson says new figures show agriculture deaths rose to 33 in 2025/26, pushing renewed focus on risk assessments and training. Agtech & labour: University of Essex spin-out Versatile RobotX secured £1m+ to scale crop-picking robots already trialled with major growers in East Anglia. Local farm diversification: A Kent farm is turning to tourism with a new maize maze to offset soaring costs and shrinking margins. Agritourism leadership (Scotland): Scottish Agritourism chair Riddell Graham steps down after growing membership and sector value. Market signals (hay/straw): AHDB and hay/straw merchant reports suggest good early progress in parts of the UK, with Scottish barley straw prices steady and demand watched into autumn.

Drought Pressure on Farms: Britain’s fifth heatwave has pushed the UK to a new high of 38.1°C at Kew Gardens, with drought and low reservoir levels raising fears for crops and food prices. Farmer Support & Trust: PM Andy Burnham says the government has a “long way to go” to rebuild farmers’ trust, while unveiling a £65m drought package aimed at helping producers through breaking conditions. Livestock Health Watch: Bluetongue concerns are escalating, with calls for farmers to vaccinate as cases rise across Great Britain and reach new areas. Water Infrastructure Debate: Reform UK proposes ending annual hosepipe bans by scrapping water targets and speeding up reservoir building, as five reservoirs in England and Wales sit “exceptionally low.” Solar vs Farmland: Councillors in Kent oppose a proposed 500MW solar farm, warning about farmland loss and fire risk from battery storage; in Solihull, a smaller solar scheme is also moving through planning. Local Disruption: York faces 11 temporary road closures for telecoms, water and gas works, affecting access around villages and key routes. Regenerative Farming Push: Matthews Cotswold Flour backs British Regenerative Farming Week, highlighting soil and biodiversity-focused grain supply. Export Rules Ahead: EU tightening of food safety controls is prompting exporters to prepare for stricter residue limits.

Drought Relief Push: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £65m support package for drought-hit farmers, aimed at protecting food production and boosting resilience, including extra help for on-farm reservoirs and faster access to water supplies as England and Wales recorded their driest July on record. Wildfire Warning: Burnham also urged people not to light fires in “tinderbox” conditions, after emergency alerts warned against disposable barbecues and firepits as dry land raises the risk of major blazes. Livestock Health Watch: Bluetongue is spreading, with new cases reported in Scotland, prompting renewed calls for vaccination and tighter disease control. Farm Efficiency & Environment: AFBI research in Northern Ireland says pig production has cut ammonia emissions by 45% per pig place, linked to improved nutrition and efficiency. Rural Housing Standards: New reporting says many homes on royal estates fail legal energy efficiency rules, including some farmhouses leased by farmers, raising pressure for upgrades. Agri-Workforce Angle: Coverage also highlights ongoing difficulty finding skilled staff for agricultural work, adding strain as farms try to manage drought impacts.

Drought Pressure on Farms: With England and Wales in deep drought after the driest July on record, livestock farmers are already feeding winter silage early and warning of feed shortages as heatwaves bite and bluetongue risk spreads north. Emergency Wildfire Response: PM Andy Burnham has imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues and backed fire-rescue support, as wildfires force evacuations and threaten farmland and homes. Disease Watch: Scotland has confirmed further bluetongue cases, prompting fresh guidance for sheep farmers and renewed concern over animal health controls. Water Management: A Lincolnshire mayor is urging a radical overhaul of how the UK manages water as reservoirs hit exceptionally low levels. Rural Community & Livelihoods: Oxford Farming Conference’s Inspire programme is opening applications for 2027, aiming to grow future rural leaders. Local Planning Clash: Midlands councils face scrutiny over plans for 3,400 homes on high-quality crop-growing land near Telford, raising concerns about losing productive farmland. Pet Memorial Scheme: A new Yorkshire vet-led memorial bench programme is rolling out across the UK for grieving pet owners. Farm Safety & Arson Warning: Police warn rural communities about a TikTok trend encouraging people to set fires, after haystack arson incidents.

Wildfire & drought policy: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says disposable BBQs will be banned “until further notice” amid wildfire risk, with households also warned about outdoor smoking and fire safety as drought grips much of England and Wales. Livestock disease alert: Defra confirms a third bluetongue case in Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway), bringing UK BTV-3 totals to 395 for the 2026-27 season; the CVO urges farmers to consider vaccination and stay on high alert. Northern Ireland farm governance row: DAERA Minister Andrew Muir rejects resignation calls over the Fivemiletown cattle cull, while UFU and Ulster Unionist Diana Armstrong back a no-confidence push and question the independence of an external review. Feed security warning: Sinn Féin urges Ireland’s agriculture minister to prepare for a fodder crisis next spring, arguing Europe can’t spare extra feed and calling for earlier subsidies and a reconvened fodder committee. Dairy business update: Lakeland Dairies says it has made “substantial investment” at the LacPatrick site in Co Tyrone after environmental compliance fines, including upgrades to wastewater treatment and monitoring. Food & farming markets: Wensleydale Creamery is set to be acquired by Lactalis (deal expected to close by Q1 2027), while Lakeland also reports a July milk price increase. Agriculture events: Malvern Autumn Show runs Sept 25-27 with Monty Don and Great British Bake Off stars, and the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships set revised calf weight limits for its Nov show.

Heat & Drought Pressure on Farms: The UK hit 38.1C in west London, its hottest day of the year, as 71% of England sits in drought and water limits tighten—raising alarms for yields, wildfire risk and food prices. Wildfire Prevention Push: Wales and UK-wide calls renewed for retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues after moorland and farmland fires; the Prime Minister is weighing a seasonal/temporary ban. Water Storage & Food Security: NFU leaders warn food security starts with water infrastructure, urging support for on-farm reservoirs and drainage grants as drought hits vegetables, brassicas and potatoes. Conservation Win for Rare Moths: Butterfly Conservation says a second England site for the dark bordered beauty moth has been found at the National Trust’s Wallington Estate, offering hope as drought and fire threaten habitats. Planning & Landscape Clash: Lake District National Park Authority warns a proposed 100-caravan holiday park would harm views and introduce “busyness,” with Natural England seeking stronger river impact assessments. Local Farm Diversification: One Herefordshire cereal farm has stopped growing cereals for the first time in ~100 years, shifting to energy/eco schemes and diversification to manage risk. Livestock Health Watch: Bluetongue concerns continue, with reports of additional suspected/confirmed cases across the UK. Rural Economy & Infrastructure: HS2 marks progress on the Interchange station approach with three major viaducts structurally complete in Solihull.

Extreme Heat & Drought: The Met Office provisionally logged 38.1C at Kew Gardens, the UK’s hottest day of 2026 so far, as a fifth heatwave and amber extreme-heat alerts pile pressure on water and farming. Wildfire Risk: South Wales crews tackled multiple blazes in Gwent, with fire service officials warning some fires were deliberately set and urging residents to keep doors and windows closed. Livestock Health: Defra and vets are pushing farmers to vaccinate after bluetongue concerns grow, including a second potentially deadly case in Scotland and rising UK totals. Water Stress on Food Supply: Salmon shortages are flagged as drought and heat reduce river flows and spawning conditions, while farmers harvest early and water storage depletes. Agtech & Robotics Funding: Defra opened a £20m competition to back agricultural automation and robotics, aiming to tackle labour shortages across arable, horticulture, livestock and forestry. Solar & Storage Push: A Wrexham appeal has cleared plans for a large solar battery field, while Northern Ireland lime-spreading demand is rising as ground conditions and soil testing drive decisions. Workforce Routes: Kyrgyzstan’s seasonal farm-work registration for 2027 opens Aug 17, with online testing and selection run by HOPS Labour Solutions.

Heatwave & drought pressure: The UK is bracing for a 38C scorcher and a fifth heatwave, with Met Office amber warnings and widespread drought leaving grass tinder and water supplies under strain—raising wildfire risk and adding pressure to farms and public services. Wildfire impacts on rural life: Firefighters in Oxfordshire describe “unprecedented” and “relentless” blazes, while an animal sanctuary near Bromyard faced flames spreading toward its fields. Livestock disease watch: Bluetongue concerns are intensifying, with more cases reported in Scotland and fresh guidance for sheep farmers as vaccine demand tightens. Farm safety spotlight: HSE data show agriculture remains among the most dangerous sectors, with 22 farmworker deaths in 2025/26. Water & nature resilience: Wirral is progressing a wetlands restoration scheme at Hoylake Carrs to restore grazing marsh, support wildlife, and improve flood resilience. Health infrastructure: Salisbury NHS has submitted plans for a new diagnostic and surgical hub to expand elective capacity. Food & farming economics: Grain markets look steady but fragile amid Black Sea and wider geopolitical uncertainty, while drought is already squeezing crop yields and food prices.

Extreme Heat & Drought: England’s reservoirs are down to 69% and nearly three-quarters of the country is in drought, with “flash drought” blamed for rapid impacts on farms and water supplies. Food Supply Pressure: Retailers are relaxing cosmetic rules for fruit and veg as drought shrinks produce and drives waste down. Livestock Health: Scotland has confirmed its first bluetongue case, prompting fresh guidance for sheep farmers and calls to vaccinate. Power Grid Stress: Great Britain is braced to pay millions for backup electricity during the solar eclipse, as near-total darkness is expected to sharply cut solar generation. Farm Impacts on the Ground: Farmers warn milk flows could reduce this autumn as heatwave conditions bite, while Diddly Squat’s harvest is described as one of the driest on record. Rural Community & Safety: A grass fire in Melling saw firefighters work with a farmer using a tractor to create a fire break, with residents urged to keep doors and windows closed. Renewables Planning: A temporary solar farm in Cambridgeshire was approved despite green-belt and biodiversity concerns, while a Lincolnshire solar project is set for further local decision-making.

Heatwave & drought response: The PM is set to chair a COBRA meeting as extreme heat warnings run into Thursday, with wildfires and health alerts adding pressure on farmers and rural services. Food security pressure: Farmers warn the driest conditions on record are cutting grass and yields, pushing livestock onto expensive winter feed and raising fears of shortages and price rises. Water restrictions: Southern Water’s rare “drought order” could ban non-essential water use in parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, potentially including filling pools and washing cars. Livestock disease watch: Wales extends farmer-led TB trials across 28 farms, while bluetongue cases are confirmed in Scotland and guidance is being issued for sheep farmers. Farm workforce: A new survey says 82% of farmers struggle to find skilled staff, with training and education flagged as the most effective fix. Energy grid impacts: “Pounds for pylons” bill discounts are rolling out for households near new transmission projects, including the Norwich-to-Tilbury scheme. Innovation & resilience: UK researchers and farmers highlight smarter farming and climate-proofing, from drought-tough cocoa grown in Berkshire to tech that reduces repetitive farm work. Rural economy & culture: The Harrogate Vintage Sale draws 1,000+ lots of tractors and machinery, while a Reading-grown cocoa bar signals fresh interest in UK-grown supply chains.

Drought Fallout: England’s drought keeps biting hard, with canals running dry and more than 30 sections closed as low water levels disrupt travel and farming logistics. Heatwave Watch: The Met Office says summer 2026 is on track to be the hottest on record, with amber “extreme heat” warnings and another spell of very high temperatures expected. Water & Food Security: The dry spell is already feeding into higher costs and smaller, poorer-quality produce at farm shops, while experts warn heat and drought could push up barbecues staples like steak and burgers later. Hidden History Revealed: Low reservoir levels at Rutland Water have uncovered stonework from the lost village of Nether Hambleton, a stark reminder of how drought reshapes the landscape. Livestock Health: Defra reports 334 bluetongue cases (BTV-3) in the 2026-27 season, with new confirmations in England and Wales—vaccination and movement checks remain key. Renewables & Rural Impact: Offshore wind plans face local opposition, including National Trust concerns about turbine scale affecting Iona and nearby communities.

Regenerative Farming in Wales: A US regenerative farming pioneer shared practical lessons at Gelli Aur (near Llandeilo), focusing on adaptive grazing, soil health and livestock integration as a route to more resilient, profitable farms in Wales. Drought Pressure on Welsh Farms: Wales is offering financial support under the Capital Production and Efficiency Grant, plus flexibility via the Sustainable Farming Scheme, to help farmers deal with prolonged hot, dry weather (including boreholes, water harvesting and cattle ventilation). England Water Crisis & Food Security: The UK says almost three-quarters of England is in drought, with flash drought conditions and water restrictions affecting 45 million people; ministers also point to declining rivers and wildfire risk. Thames Water Fallout: Campaigners are demanding action after Thames Water approved a £1m sign-on fee for its finance chief while drought and pollution concerns persist. Wiltshire Roads & River Safety: Wiltshire Council announced 15+ road closures for utility repairs, while councillors backed tougher action on river pollution after children were hospitalised following river swimming. Farm Planning Clash (Goats): A Wiltshire couple’s appeal seeks permission to stay on-site with a smallholding of pygmy goats and poultry after enforcement action over planning permission for a log cabin and shed. Energy Storage on Farmland: South Kesteven planning heard proposals for a 44-hectare battery storage site with up to 1,142 lithium containers and a new substation, with fire-risk concerns raised. Local Food & Community: A workplace garden at an HQ in Redditch is producing fresh veg for staff canteens using rainwater capture and manure from a nearby farm.

Drought Escalation: The Environment Agency says Yorkshire has moved into prolonged dry weather, the step before drought, as amber heat-health alerts raise pressure on water, farming and wildfire risk. National Drought Update: Reuters reports almost three-quarters of England is now in drought (71.3%), with 45 million people affected and 27 million under water-use restrictions, after England’s driest July since 1836 and a fifth heatwave looms. New Drought Regions: The EA confirms more areas have been added to drought status, including the East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and the Solent & South Downs. Farmer Impact: The NFU warns heat and dryness could cut arable yields and threaten food supplies in months ahead, while Welsh Government support schemes are being opened for drought-hit livestock and crops. Water Management: Yorkshire Water says it has “no expectation” of hosepipe restrictions despite rising demand in another expected heatwave. Animal Health: A first bluetongue case is confirmed in South West Scotland, adding to disease pressure alongside drought stress. Rural Support: NFU Mutual Charitable Trust awards £424k to 13 rural and farming organisations across the UK.

UK Drought & Food Security: Britain heads for a fifth heatwave, with 30C+ days already at record levels and forecasts near 36C, leaving farmers reporting sharply reduced yields and renewed food-security worries. Water Stress: Drought warnings are escalating, with fresh heatwave alerts raising the prospect of further water restrictions as creeks and low flows push catchments into crisis. Livestock & Disease Risk: Bluetongue remains a live threat, with vets urging vaccination and farmers watching for impacts on herds and forage. Farm Operations Under Pressure: A Herefordshire poultry producer is trialling a new air-blast sprayer for more controlled shed disinfection, reflecting how biosecurity demands are rising. Rural Policy & Rural Costs: A Highland MP is pushing for urgent ministerial focus after a report flags remote areas as “unviable,” citing higher living costs, weaker services and shrinking rural school rolls. Energy & Land Use: In Northern Ireland, farmers are set to protest a cattle cull, while wider UK debates continue over solar and renewable projects on farmland. Climate Signals Beyond Land: Scientists report record-hot seas and persistent heat across western Europe, underlining the broader climate backdrop hitting UK agriculture.

Drought Pressure on UK Farms: With a sixth heatwave looming, England and Wales face escalating water restrictions, including further hosepipe bans and potential business limits as reservoir storage drops and drought status may worsen for millions. Livestock & Disease Watch: Defra reports 270 bluetongue cases in the current season, while vets urge vaccination and farmers brace for impacts on herds and shows. Pig Sector Strain: AHDB says pork production costs remain high while pig prices fall, leaving producers facing losses of around £20 per slaughter pig. Water Quality Alarm: New reporting claims England’s rivers and lakes are widely polluted with chemicals and other pollutants, adding pressure to water management and farm resilience. Northern Ireland Farming Spotlight: Clogher Show wraps up summer show season with strong livestock and agri-food turnout, highlighting ongoing support for local producers. Farm Innovation Support (NI): A production horticulture pilot scheme backs growers adopting new tech, including remote spraying methods, to improve efficiency and resilience. Farm24 Campaign (UK): Wasing Estate shares a day-in-the-life of British farming as part of Farm24, spotlighting estate teams and organic production. Food Security Concern: Multiple reports warn extreme weather is already hitting yields and could push up food bills, with farmers struggling to plan amid dry conditions.