Drought declared across Wales as farmers warn of food production threat

Officials have declared a drought across the whole of Wales, following a period of prolonged dry and hot weather. The announcement comes a day after it was confirmed that more than half of England is also officially in drought. The National Farmers Union has warned that agriculture is on a knife edge, with the recent conditions threatening food production.

In the Vale of Glamorgan, farmer Richard Anthony showed the impact on his 3,000 acres. The ground is cracked and hard, with no moisture. His wheat yields are down between 20 and 30 per cent compared with last year. He said he had never experienced anything like it in his farming career. Normally he would be replanting for the next crop, but that is now impossible. He fears that food could actually go short.

Dairy farmers are also struggling. Cows have produced almost 10 per cent less milk than usual. Across the country, that means thousands of litres fewer for homes. One farmer said they were not thinking about food today but about food for next year and the year after, and if they lacked confidence to take those steps, they faced a big problem.

There is no notable rainfall forecast, so Natural Resources Wales has asked the public to use water wisely. For farmers, months of hard work will feel almost wasted as they continue their battle against the elements. The dry conditions mean grass is not regrowing, so livestock have less food, and farmers are having to buy more feed or use winter supplies now, which could cause problems later. The long-term concerns include food security and the viability of farming if such weather becomes more common.