AGP Executive Report

Water crisis pressure on farming: New Environment Agency figures and campaigners say only 14% of England’s waterways meet good health standards, with phosphate blamed heavily and sewage plus farming runoff cited—raising fresh urgency for water quality and runoff controls. Drought and heat as a food-price driver: A Reuters look at Europe’s record temperatures links heat and low river levels to higher transport costs and warns agriculture impacts could feed into food price inflation. UK renewable momentum with offshore wind jobs: Wales has approved the Llŷr offshore wind farm off Pembrokeshire, targeting 2,000 construction jobs and positioning the project as a test-and-demonstration site. Floating wind turnaround: Equinor’s Hywind Scotland reports a £26.5m profit after earlier Siemens Gamesa turbine faults and repairs, signalling improving reliability for floating offshore wind. Livestock health watch: Bluetongue coverage continues to push vaccination and vigilance as cases rise, with vets urging farmers to act early.

Water Quality Crisis: England’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are being branded “national shame” after official Environment Agency testing found widespread pollution and only a small share meeting standards, with fresh reporting saying 85% of rivers fail key thresholds. Drought & Farm Strain: North Wales farmers are being forced to use winter feed early as drought bites, while England and Wales face record-low rainfall, hosepipe bans and wildfire risk that’s pushing emergency services and rural businesses to breaking point. Bluetongue Watch: DEFRA says vaccination status for affected flocks in England is unknown as BTV-3 cases surge, with farmers urged to vaccinate and report suspects. Northern Ireland Cattle Cull Scrutiny: Stormont’s agriculture committee is set to meet over the destruction of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown, with calls for a thorough review into whether all alternatives to euthanasia were exhausted. Scottish Water Plans: Scottish Water is holding a second public consultation on upgrades at its Daldowie facility, pitching the new treatment centre as a way to cut carbon and support recycling of high-quality output to agricultural land. Renewables & Rural Energy: Scotland is progressing wind projects and investigations, while wider energy policy momentum continues alongside farming’s push for resilience.

Drought Pressure on Water and Crops: Oxfordshire’s first official week of drought is already showing up on the ground, with deteriorating river conditions and warnings at Parson’s Pleasure in Oxford’s University Parks after a visible algal bloom linked to dry weather. Disease Watch for Sheep: Bluetongue is surging across the south west, with vets warning that official case counts may understate the problem as testing costs are covered and more farms hold back on checks; farmers are being urged to strengthen vaccination and disease defences. Farmgate and Food Prices: With the UK bracing for a brutal harvest, reports point to drought-driven crop losses and rising food bills, while sheep and beef markets show tight pricing and pressure from processors. Livestock Export Logistics: Brittany Ferries’ plan to stop live animal transport from September is raising capacity concerns for UK and Irish exporters into Europe. Planning and Legal Challenge: North Yorkshire residents have launched a High Court challenge over the Vale of York motorway services approval, arguing key legal and process questions weren’t properly handled. On-Farm Tech Push: Government funding is backing farm robotics and automation to ease labour shortages, alongside new regenerative barley and premium schemes for growers.

Drought-hit harvest: A new Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit analysis says the UK’s exceptionally hot, dry spring and summer may have cut cereals and oilseed harvests by 2.5 million tonnes, costing farmers up to £390m, with wheat, barley and oats all tracking below 10-year averages and 2026 shaping up as one of the worst on record. Livestock transport shock: Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister Martin Heydon says Brittany Ferries will end live livestock transport from Rosslare to Cherbourg from September, raising fresh pressure on Irish exporters and transporters. Bluetongue alarm: Boehringer Ingelheim urges vaccination as the UK bluetongue outbreak grows, citing 134 cases of BTV-3 since the 2026/27 season began. Animal welfare review: The USPCA welcomes an independent review ordered by Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister into the Fivemiletown cow cull after public concern over the circumstances. Water and heat stress: Farmers across the UK warn drought is driving up costs and threatening food supplies, while extreme summer conditions continue to bite. Wildlife and climate signals: A global study finds butterfly ranges shifting on every continent, with climate and severe weather linked to most changes. Solar and farm tech: Government funding and industry moves keep pushing farm automation and regenerative programmes, including new regenerative barley initiatives.

Drought-hit harvest shock: UK farmers are warning 2026 could deliver the worst cereal and oilseed harvest on record, with analysis pointing to up to 2.5m tonnes lost and losses of as much as £390m as wheat, barley and oats yields fall after England and Wales’ driest July on record. Water stress on the ground: North Wales drought pressures are also feeding wildfire risk, with local voices urging countryside visitors to reduce ignition hazards like discarded barbecues and cigarettes. Livestock and disease watch: Bluetongue concerns are escalating, with farmers urged to strengthen defences and consider vaccination as cases surge across parts of England and Wales. Arable adaptation and support: Defra has opened a £20m farm automation/robotics funding round aimed at easing post-Brexit labour gaps, while growers are also being pushed toward practical heat resilience measures (including “sun cream” apple treatments). Local farm openings: A North Yorkshire farm is set to open its sunflower field to visitors this weekend, offering a rare bright spot for rural tourism during a tough season.

Drought pressure on UK farms: England and Wales have just seen their driest July on record, with drought now covering more than half of England and farmers warning of shrinking harvests and food shortages as grass growth stalls and some growers resort to slurry tankers for water. Livestock health and welfare row (NI): A Stormont agriculture committee is set to scrutinise the shooting of 51 cattle in Co Tyrone, with an NI MP calling it “one of the biggest DAERA scandals” and pushing for a fully independent public inquiry. Bluetongue surge: Cases are accelerating across England and Wales, prompting calls for stronger disease defences and vaccination checks for sheep and cattle. Solar farm fights (England): County Durham planners backed a large solar farm despite local opposition, while Buckinghamshire faces fresh consultation over another ground-mounted scheme amid concerns about cumulative impacts on communities and farmland. Regenerative barley push: HEINEKEN UK has launched a regenerative malting barley programme paying farmers a premium to scale soil-improving practices. Food and drink spotlight: Great Taste Awards 2026 named multiple UK producers, including Mid Cheshire winners, while Love Lamb Week returns (1–7 Sept) to promote UK lamb. Transport and trade shock (animals): Brittany Ferries says it will stop live animal transport from September, triggering fresh pressure on livestock export capacity.

Drought & food security: The Met Office says England and Wales have just had their driest July on record, with parts of Wales and half of England still in drought; a yellow thunderstorm warning is out for Northern Ireland, but farmers warn the dry spell is already hitting crops and could feed through to shortages and higher prices. Livestock pressure: A Welsh smallholder says she’s spending £50 a day on hay after grazing turned to dust, launching a fundraiser to feed nearly 100 sheep. Water-saving agri-tech: Pocklington farmers’ SealStop automatic shut-off valve wins an Agri-Tech Start-Up Award for cutting accidental water waste. Planning & rural land use: Wiltshire Council has issued an enforcement notice over a six-foot wooden fence at a working beef farm, with the owners appealing. Farm-to-shelf success: Herefordshire distillery Penrhos Spirits lands in eight Waitrose stores, highlighting “wonky fruit” and recycled packaging. Rural community & countryside: Dorset CPRE marks its centenary with a Milton Abbey event and a tree-planting crowdfunder.

Northern Ireland Livestock Accountability: Stormont’s agriculture committee will meet next Monday during the summer recess to scrutinise the shooting of 51 cows near Fivemiletown, after DAERA’s Humane Slaughter Team carried out the cull under a court order and farmers and DUP MPs called for a fully transparent, independent review. UK Drought Pressure: The Met Office says July 2026 was the driest on record in southern England and the driest for England and Wales since records began, with Wales fully in drought and more than half of England affected; water restrictions are spreading and the NFU warns drought could drive food shortages. Heat and Fire Risk: With record dryness and heat across the UK and Europe, wildfires remain a major threat—Greece is still battling blazes near Athens after a fatal helicopter collision, while the wider European heatwave is straining emergency response. Energy and Weather Signals for Farmers: Solar hit a record share of UK electricity in July, but the same weather pattern is leaving fields parched, including reports of drought impacts on crops and pasture. On-Farm Incidents: A lorry carrying hay caught fire on the M4 near Swindon, closing the motorway westbound and causing severe delays. Scheme Access Friction (NI): UFU says environmental mapping layers are blocking some Northern Ireland farmers from applying to parts of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, calling for practical fixes during the application window. Livestock Health Watch: Bluetongue is spreading, with sheep farmers urged to vaccinate as cases rise.

Drought & food security pressure: Farmers warn Britain could face food shortages as drought deepens and hosepipe bans expand, with heatwave impacts already hitting crops and raising the risk of further supply shocks. Wildfire risk to rural livelihoods: Wildfires across Europe underline how fast conditions can turn dangerous, with UK-linked concerns rising as drought and heat increase fire danger. Livestock & animal health: Sheep farmers are urged to vaccinate as bluetongue spreads, while broader animal health pressures are reported across the sector. Farm investment in Scotland: First Minister John Swinney will visit Turriff Show to announce £14.25m for farmers and crofters under the Future Farming Investment Scheme, including support for soil, hedgerows and livestock infrastructure. Rural crime & compliance: Police and regulators continue cracking down on farm-related incidents, including suspected arson linked to TikTok challenges and fines for unlawful waste burning. Innovation & circular farming: Scientists at Heriot-Watt University are turning salty cheese whey into bioethanol fuel, aiming to cut waste and create new value streams. Local business growth: Bramble Foods is expanding distribution capacity in Leicestershire, creating jobs and boosting UK supply for premium food brands. Farm awards & leadership: A Herefordshire farm owner has been shortlisted for Agriculture’s Woman of the Year at the British Farming Awards, highlighting women’s leadership in UK farming.

Water & Food Security: UK-based think-tank analysis links June heat to a 10mn-tonne EU/UK grain forecast hit, while the NFU warns drought and restricted irrigation could drive food shortages, with farmers pushing for tax breaks to build on-farm water storage. Drought & Inequality: The RHS is weighing moving its hydrangea collection north, underscoring how heat and drought exposure varies across the UK, and how exemptions for some land users can deepen public anger. Wildfire Pressure: Europe’s wildfire season is worsening, with conservationists saying damaged UK habitats may take 25 years to recover; in Greece, two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air near Athens, killing two crew. Rural Crime & Farm Safety: Northern Ireland’s DAERA Farm Investment Scheme is criticised for missing rural security needs as Crimestoppers offers a £3,500 reward over thefts of John Deere GPS kit. Livestock & Markets: Thame Summer Sheep Fair (Aug 6-7) expects turnover near £3m, with bluetongue movement rules easing after last year’s disruption. Energy & Land Use: Solar hit a new UK monthly record in July, while SSE seeks permission for remedial works at a major Ayrshire wind farm. Wildlife Poisoning: Natural England links deaths of five reintroduced sea eagles to rat poison brodifacoum, raising fresh questions on countryside rodenticide use. Environment Enforcement: Swindon council moves to raise fly-tipping fines to £1,000 as part of a crackdown.**

Wildfire Pressure on Welsh Farms: CLA Cymru says wildfires across North and South Wales have scorched grazing land, killed livestock and left farms leaning on limited winter feed as drought bites, urging urgent targeted support for recovery and resilience. Lead-Contaminated Land Turned Productive: A Wrexham couple have transformed former Minera Lead Mine contamination into a thriving hydroponic operation, producing around 100kg of salad crops weekly and expanding into cold-pressed rapeseed and sunflower oils. Heat and Drought Reality Check: Northern Ireland farmers report grass quality and farm cover dropping after weeks of poor rain, with culling and altered feeding plans used to manage the dry conditions. Food Safety at the Border: Manchester Airport import-check data sparked alarm over failed checks for products of animal origin and food not of animal origin, raising concerns about unsafe goods reaching consumers. Farm-to-Pub Partnerships: Marston’s and Hawkstone are rolling out a slow-cooked Hawkstone IPA and beef pie in nearly 500 pubs from August 3, using barley grown on British farms. Woodland Rewilding Plan: Heart of England Forest will plant 35,000+ trees at a former Runcorn-area Manor Farm Golf Course site in Harvington, with habitats including wetlands and hay meadows and public access targeted for spring 2027.

Wildfire Response: RSPB Minsmere and National Trust Dunwich Heath confirmed ponies are safe after a wildfire burned about 150 hectares; visitor areas, footpaths and the visitor centre remain closed while the cause is investigated. Drought & Fire Risk: Nottinghamshire’s wildfire risk map highlights how dry conditions are raising the stakes for farmers and land managers as England faces drought and hosepipe bans. Hay Fire Probe: North Yorkshire Police are investigating a “deliberately” started field fire involving hay bales near South Milford that spread to 15 acres. Rain Outlook (Suffolk): Suffolk residents are still waiting on meaningful rain, with the Met Office saying conditions stay largely dry through the weekend and only a limited chance of showers early next week. Sheep Breeding Nutrition: Advice for early ewes stresses trace mineral and drenching support ahead of rams going in, with grass availability tight due to drought. Food & Farming Safety: Truck Festival 2026 shut down a suspected food stall after dozens reported illness, with council and health agencies investigating. Farm Diversification: A Leeds-area farm is drawing crowds with 20,000+ pick-your-own sunflowers plus fruit and tractor rides, showing how rural attractions are coping with tough weather. Animal Welfare Debate: A UK study challenges the assumption that organic free-range eggs are always lower-impact, pointing to higher land use and mortality trade-offs. Trade & Food Supply: India received its first duty-free Scottish salmon shipment under the India-UK trade deal, boosting access for premium seafood.

Extreme Heat & Wildfire Risk: Prolonged hot, dry weather is driving crop and field fires in Oxfordshire, with a school field blaze at Abbey Woods Academy quickly extinguished—another reminder that farming machinery and dry vegetation can spark fast-moving incidents. Drought Pressure on Farms: Across the UK, hosepipe bans and record-dry conditions are worsening water stress for food production, with farmers warning they’re being pushed to breaking point. Solar vs Landscape Heritage: South Oxfordshire planners debated a 40-year, 49.9MW solar farm near Nuneham Courtenay, with opponents citing cumulative harm to heritage and views tied to the Turner landscape. Livestock Health Watch: Bluetongue is spreading in England, with vets urging flock keepers to speak to their vets and consider urgent vaccination ahead of breeding. Food & Drink Spotlight: Worcestershire cider CHANCE and The Lake District Tea Co. both picked up Great Taste awards, while Marston’s and Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone launched a limited-edition Hawkstone IPA & beef pie in nearly 500 pubs. Farm Business & Community: Every Child Online donated tech equipment to help a sound/AV firm recover after a farm explosion destroyed its base. Smallholding & Succession: A new guide tackles the practical realities of sourcing smallholdings—land type, access, and costs—while highlighting how hard it can be to find the right setup.

Heat & Water Crisis: England and Wales are on course for their driest July in nearly 200 years, with drought status spreading and hosepipe bans already affecting millions; in Essex, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat alert (2 Aug–5 Aug) warning of possible impacts on health and social care, including higher death risk for older and vulnerable people. Drought Declaration (South West): The Environment Agency confirms Wessex (Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and parts of Gloucestershire) is now in drought, citing very low rainfall, multiple heatwaves and record-low river and reservoir levels, with tighter controls on water abstraction. Harvest Update: AHDB reports the earliest harvest on record after exceptionally hot, dry weather, with combines entering fields 2–3 weeks early in parts of the South and East; oilseed rape looks better on average, but cereal yields are generally below the 10-year average. Food Safety at Events: The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is reminding food businesses about hygiene after suspected food poisoning complaints at Oxfordshire’s Truck Festival, where a third-party vendor was removed quickly and an investigation is ongoing. Cultivated Meat Guidance: The UK Food Standards Agency publishes new cultivated meat guidance for developers, expanding on regulatory expectations within its sandbox programme. Animal Health Watch: Swiss authorities are monitoring a mysterious illness in dairy cows causing fever/diarrhoea and reduced milk yields, while saying there’s currently no sign of risk to consumers. Local Farming Community: A Dent village pub, the Sun Inn, has avoided development after a community share buy-out campaign, with a crowdfunder now needed for a building survey and legal costs.

Food Security Push: Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have backed a new UK food security law, warning Burnham’s government must treat food supply like energy and defence. Drought & Water Stress: Wales has been declared in drought nationwide, with NRW pointing to very low rainfall and warning of impacts on rivers, fish and farm water; in England, the Environment Agency has also put farmers taking water from the Wye under the spotlight, while NRW says extra reservoir releases remain an option if conditions worsen. Irrigation/Greenhouse Supply: Thanet Earth, the UK’s biggest commercial greenhouse, has won an expanded licence to extract more water from its borehole after repeated supply outages. Poultry Health & Biosecurity: An Oxford study links industrial poultry farming to a major rise in campylobacter linked to food poisoning, while a separate chicken-farm plan in Oxfordshire faces silence amid criticism. Wildlife & Land Management: Natural England says Dorset sea eagle deaths are linked to rat poison (brodifacoum), raising fresh questions over countryside rodenticide use. Rural Livelihoods: A Herefordshire farm manager has been nominated for Sustainable Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards, highlighting long-running sustainability and renewable energy use. Animal Welfare Win: Compassion in World Farming says the world’s first commercial octopus farm plan in Gran Canaria was dropped after NGO pressure.

Drought Watch (Wales): Natural Resources Wales has declared drought across all of Wales, with July rainfall at just 8% of the long-term average and rivers including the Wye and Usk running “exceptionally low,” raising alarms for farmers, grazing and livestock water, plus fish distress and algal blooms. Drought Watch (England): The Environment Agency has also put seven areas of England into drought status, as a very dry July follows earlier low rainfall and repeated heatwaves. Wildfire Pressure (Suffolk): A major heathland blaze at Dunwich Heath has led to evacuations and a nuclear site “closely monitoring” stance near Sizewell B, under ongoing extreme fire risk. Farm Resilience & Water Supply: The wider message from rural coverage is clear: farmers need reliable water to protect food production as drought spreads and hosepipe bans loom. Rewilding Success (Scotland): In a brighter rural note, the first baby beavers in Scotland for over 400 years have been born in Glen Affric as part of a long-running reintroduction project. Rural Planning (Pembrokeshire): Pembrokeshire plans to rebuild a fire-hit farm dwelling for an agricultural worker tied to a 5,000-sheep holding have been approved, highlighting ongoing pressure on farm infrastructure.