AGP Executive Report

Food safety & farming systems: Oxfordshire research links industrial poultry farming to higher food-poisoning risk, while a new genomic study says industrial chicken production has accelerated the spread of Campylobacter in the UK and beyond. Animal health & regulation: DEFRA has published guidance for its Farmer Welfare Grant, and pig producers are being urged to share views amid supply-chain pressures. Weather & water stress: With parts of the UK facing drought conditions and heatwave impacts, farmers are warning of rising food-price pressure and water access becoming a make-or-break issue for crops. Environment & land management: Swindon plans tougher fly-tipping enforcement, including a jump in fixed-penalty notices, and Europe continues to debate how to cut wildfire risk at source. Rural community & agri-life: A Dorset Wetherspoon Craft Cider Festival runs July 31–Aug 9, and a tractor charity convoy in Monmouthshire raised thousands for local causes. Policy & trade: The EU’s move on New Genomic Techniques keeps agriculture at the centre of biotech debate, while UK-linked trade developments continue to shape export opportunities.

Poultry Expansion: Sporle Farms has lodged plans to replace an ageing turkey breeder unit at Great Palgrave Farm with a new broiler breeder fertile egg production site for 38,100 birds, aiming to boost capacity and stay competitive. Livestock & Shows: Braco’s competitive classes saw increased entries for sheep and horses, with results highlighting continued momentum in traditional breeding and showing. Water & Wildlife Under Pressure: The Environment Agency has launched fish rescue operations on the River Teme after low water made conditions uninhabitable, while pumping from the Shropshire Groundwater Scheme helps stabilise flows into the Severn. Climate Action Locally: East Dunbartonshire Council has adopted a Climate Action Plan 2026–2040, including food and agriculture as one of eight key themes, with net-zero targets stretching to 2036/2045. Rural Community Work: Volunteers cleared vegetation between the tow path and canal at Grove, keeping local waterways accessible and healthier for wildlife. Agriculture in the News Cycle: NFU mourned livestock leader David Barton after his sudden passing, underscoring ongoing pressure on UK farm leadership and welfare.

Drought pressure on UK farms: Lincolnshire grower William Tyrrell says yields are down and planning is getting harder as heat and dryness keep “curve balls” coming, with tight margins leaving little room for error. Waterway maintenance alarm: River Cam residents and readers are calling for urgent action after reports of damaged riverbanks and unsafe conditions, pointing to long-running maintenance gaps and upstream impacts. Scotland subsidy shake-up: Scotland replaces EU-era support with a four-tier system under the 2024 Act, aiming at food security, rural livelihoods, and climate/nature goals while keeping a steadier transition than elsewhere in the UK. On-farm resilience via payments: West Midlands/UK arable growers highlight regen premiums helping tackle grassweed pressure and expand spring cropping, backing soil-focused practices. Farm safety spotlight: Farm Safety Week coverage flags ongoing concern about under-reporting and rising farm deaths, pushing for better training and compliance. Rural life on air: BBC Local’s Farmwatch Day plans live farm coverage, a “Burgerflation” look at food costs, and a cow-to-parlour live stream. Housing and rural pressures (context): A BirminghamLive probe links the rise of supported “exempt” hostels to neighbourhood disruption and wider social strain.

Drought Pressure on Welsh Farming: Monmouthshire councillors backed a push for a “rooftops before fields” approach, asking the Welsh Government to presume against large ground-mounted solar on prime agricultural land and to weigh land loss, biodiversity and local economic impacts more heavily. Sheep Milk Diversification: A new Welsh sheep milk dairy cluster was unveiled at the Royal Welsh Show, aiming to link farmers, processors and buyers and build routes to market as demand for sheep milk products grows. Heatwave Fallout for Crops: Europe’s heat is hitting yields and availability, with retailers flagging pressure on salads and berries and faster ripening as dry soils worsen. Farm Safety in the Spotlight: A report on heat risks highlights how extreme temperatures can increase workplace injuries by impairing attention and reaction, with heat often under-recorded as a contributing factor. Trade and Red Tape: TIMCON urged DEFRA to use UK-EU SPS talks to cut unnecessary border checks and admin for timber and pallet packaging, arguing Brexit-era ISPM15 compliance costs are still biting. Car Finance Redress Delays: FCA says compensation for mis-selling claims won’t be expected until at least 2027, leaving many drivers in limbo while litigation continues.

Drought and food supply resilience: Sainsbury’s has signed 10-year deals with Evesham Vale Growers and Thanet Earth to keep British tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers on shelves, aiming to reduce weather-driven shortages seen in 2023. Farm input innovation: York-based Azotic Technologies says its Encera bacterium can help crops access nitrogen internally, cutting fertiliser use by up to 25% and improving nitrogen efficiency for wheat, maize, oilseed rape and potatoes. Soil and nature restoration: North Devon’s water vole reintroduction follows habitat restoration including pond creation, drain removal, tree planting and rewetting to help wildlife recover and manage flood risk. Planning and biodiversity rules: A change to biodiversity net gain rules will exempt some smaller farm developments up to 0.2 hectares from mandatory requirements from 6 August, potentially reducing cost and delays. Upland wildlife reserve debate: A 7,500-acre Northumberland estate is being restored as a “biosphere-level” reserve with peat rewetting and low-intensity grazing, sparking both hope and fire-risk concerns. Bees and farming culture: A “Bee Drover” story highlights the pressures on commercial beekeeping, including parasites, competition and rising costs, while doubling down on staying in the trade. Rural crime warning: An investigation alleges organised crime gangs are terrorising farms and staging illegal hare coursing events, with intimidation and animal carcass dumping reported. Young farmer support: Tesco is extending its Future Farmer Programme for three more years, backing under-40 farmers with training, mentorship and industry visits. Renewables and land use: Oxfordshire’s Botley West solar farm faces renewed political scrutiny after an MP’s challenge, while other solar projects and local disputes continue to surface across the countryside.

Heat & harvest pressure: Hot, dry weather is driving early harvest and grain price moves, with reports of winter barley being cut at low moisture and malting quality slipping in parts of the UK. Drought reality check: Wales has moved deeper into drought conditions, with low rainfall and heatwaves exposing long-hidden archaeological sites—another reminder of how dry spells reshape the countryside. Farm safety in the spotlight: A fertiliser-related explosion at Highlands Farm in Essex sent 20 firefighters to hospital and destroyed three fire engines, underlining the risks around stored inputs. Livestock & markets: Skipton’s opening store lamb sale saw higher numbers and averages, while buyers chased strong medium-keep lambs despite grass shortages. Dairy tech on-farm: A Westmeath dairy operation marks 12 years of robotic dairying, using Lely Astronaut systems to boost output and manage breeding alongside off-farm work. Policy & support: Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme has been welcomed, and farmers are being urged to plan for the future amid water and inheritance tax worries. Food chain disruption: Beefeater is set to close all 106 UK restaurants on 10 September as Whitbread restructures, affecting thousands of jobs.

Animal Welfare Court Case: Hull-based Cranswick faces court after animal rights lawyers brought 23 alleged offences over mistreatment claims at its Lincolnshire farm, with a Nottingham Justice Centre hearing set for 26 August. Drought & Water Stress: UK farming is bracing for worsening impacts as drought declarations spread and hosepipe bans bite millions, with warnings about food supply pressure and water scarcity risks. Energy Grid Reliability: A leaked assessment warns the UK’s electricity system operator is “flying blind” on forecasting, raising blackout risk as renewables ramp up. Renewables on Farmland: Solar and wind projects keep rolling—construction disruption is set for months on a Dorset solar cable route, while Yorkshire residents challenge turbine plans in a David Hockney-linked landscape. Ag Inputs & Feed Safety: Growers are urged not to dismiss proven oilseed rape varieties off the AHDB Recommended List, and new concerns are raised about mycotoxin risk in silage for high-yield dairy herds. Farm Safety & Health: Farm Safety Week highlights rising serious injuries and calls for better prevention and support for wellbeing. Policy & Sector Signals: Wales’ Royal Welsh Show wraps with a focus on farm funding delivery and paperwork burdens, while NFU Cymru and others push for practical progress.

UK Drought & Water Stress: First parts of the UK officially declared drought after record dry weather, with hosepipe bans expanding and rivers running low—raising alarms for crops, livestock and water access. Farm Incomes Under Pressure: Heatwave impacts are being quantified as the cost of the dry spell grows, while farmers brace for another bad harvest and mounting uncertainty over margins. Farming Roadmap Reaction: Rural groups are split on the Government’s 25-year farming roadmap—some want stronger delivery and public procurement support, others warn it signals higher regulatory baselines without extra money. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Wild boars are increasingly blamed for damage and attacks on farms, while scientists are also working on disease threats to trees and other wildlife. Renewables on Farmland: New solar and battery projects continue to roll out, including a major garrison solar installation, alongside research into using hemp and soil amendments to tackle pollution. Food Supply & Trade Signals: UK growers and retailers push for longer-term supply deals, as broader food security warnings and tariff turbulence keep trade and prices in focus. Farm Safety Spotlight: Farm Safety Week highlights rising serious injuries and calls for better prevention, not just fewer fatalities.

Drought Declaration: North Wales and the Upper Severn have become the first UK regions to formally declare drought status after record dry weather, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers, with hosepipe bans already affecting millions and NRW warning conditions are worsening. Food Safety Recall: Scotland-based Graham’s Family Dairy has recalled semi-skimmed milk sold across major UK supermarkets (including Tesco, Asda and Morrisons) after veterinary medicines, including antibiotics, were found; shoppers are told not to consume affected bottles and to seek refunds. Heatwave Cost to Work: A new UK study links June’s record heatwave to about £1.15bn in economic losses, with reduced working hours and health impacts hitting hardest in outdoor, physical jobs like agriculture. Farm Safety Week: Farm Safety Week ends with fresh concern over under-reporting: new research says many farmers avoid reporting incidents due to fear of enforcement or legal fallout, while safety groups highlight serious injuries as well as fatalities. Water Pressure Anger in Wales: In Redwick, chronic low water pressure is being described as an animal welfare and daily-life problem, with calls for urgent action from water providers.

Drought Declaration: Natural Resources Wales has officially declared drought status in North Wales and the Upper Severn after record dry weather, heatwaves, wildfires and exceptionally low river flows, with July rainfall running at under 2% of expected levels and farmers warning of pressure on grazing and water supplies. Water Restrictions: Across England, many areas remain in prolonged dry weather with hosepipe bans already affecting around 23 million customers, while Wales also faces operational water limits in some places even where NRW’s drought category differs. Livestock & Crops Pressure: Livestock farmers say heat plus lack of water is creating “excessive pressure” and early crop ripening is already being linked to lower yields, raising fresh food-supply concerns. Food Safety Recall: A Scottish dairy has pulled milk from major supermarkets after traces of veterinary medicines were found, issuing an allergy-focused “do not consume” warning. Farm Business Resilience: Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I held a “Cheers to Farmers” field-to-glass event in Suffolk to spotlight barley growers and supply-chain sustainability. Market Signals: Beef prices are strengthening as cattle throughput tightens and factories seek supplies for next-day processing. Rural Land Use: West Lothian Council is backing plans to lease former Beecraigs Country Park animal-attraction land back to farming on a 10-year basis.

Heatwave Costing UK Agriculture: A June heatwave cut working hours and hit the economy by about £1.15bn, with outdoor and labour-intensive roles like farming among the worst affected. Welsh Farm Wellbeing: Welsh farming leaders say optimism must be matched with real mental health support, warning charities can’t do it alone and urging policy backing. Brazil Beef Trade Watch: The UK says it won’t automatically copy the EU’s planned Brazilian beef ban from 3 September, instead reviewing standards via Defra—while meat processors warn delays could unsettle the beef market. Lungworm Vaccine Withdrawal: MSD Animal Health will withdraw Bovilis Huskvac from the end of 2027, prompting vets to stress smarter lungworm management and avoid overusing wormers. Northern Ireland Biosecurity: DAERA reports 24 “white van” interceptions of high-risk plant and animal products from Britain into NI in 2025, with 8.2t seized and destroyed. Cattle Prices in NI: Clean cattle quotes in Northern Ireland are steady, with prime stock tight and factories offering flat deals around 600p/kg for some beef-cross dairy bulls. Farm Safety Week: Farm Safety Week 2026 is underway, with renewed focus on preventing serious injuries, not just fatalities.

Heat and drought pressure on UK farming: The Met Office is warning of a possible return to heatwave conditions next week, with drought fears rising and the NFU saying a “week to 10 days” window could affect food supply if rain stays scarce. Water restrictions tightening: A drought monitoring group says several southern, central and eastern areas are close to “prolonged dry weather”, raising the risk of wider hosepipe bans. Wildfire impacts on Welsh livestock land: A Blaenavon wildfire is now over 200 hectares, with smoke affecting communities and local farmers helping create fire breaks; authorities warn it could burn for several days. Farm jobs and processing squeeze: British Sugar plans to stop beet processing at Cantley in Norfolk from end-February, putting 104 jobs at risk while inviting growers to continue for the 2027/28 campaign. Food retail and seasonal produce: Aldi says exceptionally sweet British plums are rolling out across all 1,086 stores from 22 July, targeting up to 700,000 units this season. Farm safety focus: Farm Safety Week 2026 continues with renewed calls to prioritise serious injury prevention as well as fatalities.

Farm Safety Week: The NFU is urging UK farmers to put safety first after HSE figures show 29 agriculture deaths from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, up six year-on-year, as the Farm Safety Week campaign runs 20–24 July. Water Stress: England’s prolonged dry weather is now hitting Sussex, with temporary use bans coming for parts of Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire as rivers and reservoirs fall, while the UK government warns there’s a 25% chance of catastrophic water failure. Heat & Wildlife: Heatwaves are threatening UK farming and pollinators, with reports of bumblebee declines linked to intense heat. SFI26 Update: Defra has opened applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026, with a narrower first window (capped at £100,000) and a wider second window due in September. Illegal Waste Risks: Sky News testing found a toxic mix of hundreds of chemicals at illegal waste sites in Gloucester, Wigan and Ranskill, with some substances flagged as serious health risks. Dairy Pressure: A call for a UK dairy strategy is growing as farm pressures mount and dairy incomes face squeeze. Local Rural Life: Dorset’s Hardy Half and Half races drew about 300 runners and raised nearly £5,000 for local causes including the Farming Community Network.

Water Stress Hits Farms and Households: Thames Water has joined the hosepipe ban wave as England and Wales near drought status, with restrictions due to start for its customers on 23 July; the company cites very low spring rainfall and higher demand, while other water firms already have bans in place. Wildfire Pressure on Upland Grazing: North Wales communities and hill graziers are calling for urgent aerial support after the Rhinogydd wildfire, warning impacts to grazing and habitats could last “for years.” Royal Welsh Show Theft Disrupts Trade: Quad bikes and ATVs were stolen from stands at the Royal Welsh Show, prompting police appeals and extra security guidance for exhibitors. Northern Ireland Suckler Cow Payments: DAERA figures show £2.96m processed for eligible farm businesses in one constituency, with £13.36m paid across Northern Ireland so far under the 2025/26 Suckler Cow Scheme. Solar Expansion Meets Countryside Pushback: A Suffolk solar farm proposal near Wickham Market (aimed at powering around 5,000 homes) heads to council discussion amid objections over landscape and agricultural land. Sheep Breeding for Methane Cuts: The Texel Sheep Society highlights international research linking genetics to methane reduction, pointing to breeding improvements as a long-term sustainability lever.

Water Supply Pressure: South East Water has announced fresh hosepipe and sprinkler restrictions for Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, starting 00.01 on Saturday 25 July, citing below-average rainfall since March, hot weather and high demand that have pushed river levels down and forced protection of groundwater sources. Farm Inputs Risk: Seed potato growers are being warned about herbicide drift damage from pre-harvest glyphosate applications, with damage sometimes only showing up after tubers are planted the following season; advice includes warning neighbours/contractors, avoiding spraying in risky conditions, and managing sprayer movements and washouts. Animal Health Policy: Wales’ first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the 2041 bovine TB eradication target “doesn’t feel doable” right now, pledging an evidence-led approach that balances cattle, people and wildlife. Pollinator Stress: New analysis highlights that UK bumblebees can struggle to fly in heatwave conditions, risking sharp population falls as hotter summers become more frequent. Rural Safety Focus: Farm Safety Week coverage continues to stress that serious injuries on farms are life-changing and must get as much attention as fatalities.

Herbicide Costs & Drift Risk: Growers are being urged to communicate before harvest herbicide spraying starts, after warnings that even small drift can damage seed potato crops and ruin next season’s tubers. Regenerative Wheat Push: Pladis Global has launched “Back to Farm” to help 50 UK wheat growers adopt regenerative practices, aiming for 50% of its UK wheat by 2030. Farm Incomes Under Pressure: A new report flags average farm income could fall sharply in 2026 as milk and cattle prices ease and costs stay high. Food Supply Security: BSI updated its food defence guide (PAS 960), putting more focus on cyber-enabled threats to the UK food and drink supply chain. Water Stress Watch: Drought restrictions are tightening across Europe, with France facing severe water limits and tanker reliance—another reminder for UK farmers to plan for heat and water scarcity. Livestock & Shows: County show results highlight continued strength in UK breeding programmes, with champions crowned across cattle and sheep classes.