UK farmers face severe losses as drought grips England's wheat fields

In the Chiltern Hills of south Buckinghamshire, farmer Alex Nelms watched his wheat crop wither after an early-summer heatwave pushed temperatures above 35 °C during the critical grain-fill period. The family’s 2,000-acre operation, founded in 1955, now faces a deficit of roughly 1,000 tonnes, equating to an estimated $270,000 loss in revenue. Defra data show that a large share of England remains in drought, with August rain at just a fraction of the usual amount and reservoir levels significantly below expected levels.

The National Farmers’ Union described the situation as a financial crisis, estimating wheat production losses near $499 million and forage replacement costs around $45 million. To mitigate risk, Nelms is re-introducing oilseed rape on about 350 acres, despite challenges from banned seed treatments and pest pressure. He urges the government to provide measures such as interest-free drought-loss loans, assistance for livestock losses, expedited planning for on-farm reservoirs, and clearer water-access rules.