England is currently experiencing its fifth consecutive heatwave, with nearly three-quarters of the country remaining in drought. This has led to significant challenges for various agricultural sectors, particularly cereals and livestock.
The 2026 cereal and oilseed harvest is forecast to reach 18.5m tonnes, which would mark the worst harvest since detailed records began in 1984. Wheat, spring barley, and oats are all substantially below their 10-year average yields. Farmers are facing an estimated £390m in lost revenue compared to early estimates.
Livestock farmers are also grappling with major problems, as grass growth is approximately half of what is expected for this time of year. This shortage of winter feed has compelled some farmers to access their winter stores prematurely or consider purchasing additional feed. Milk production has seen a slight decrease of about 1%.
In contrast, the summer has been favourable for soft fruits, with berries being smaller but sweeter. Cider apples are also expected to have a bumper year. The UK's wine producers are optimistic about the size and quality of the 2026 harvest, reporting healthy vineyards and encouraging ripening.