Fierce heatwaves and droughts are crippling North-West England's farming industry, with arable farmers warning of unsustainable livelihoods. The region's crops have been ravaged by consecutive hot summers, prompting a stark warning from Olly Harrison, an arable farmer from Tarbock near Prescot, Merseyside: 'Some might question whether growing crops is even viable.'
Recent extreme weather has halved his crop yield, requiring expensive measures to make produce saleable. Wetting crops and other costly interventions have taken a heavy toll on profit margins. Harrison's experience echoes that of many farmers in the region, who are struggling with unpredictable weather patterns.
Paul Johns, managing director of Lancashire Crop Consultancy Ltd, agrees that this summer's harvests were severely impacted by extreme temperatures. 'Harvests in May, June and July 2026 have been roughly half their expected weight,' he says, highlighting a worrying trend in farmers' financial stability.
Some are finding innovative solutions to these challenges. Tod Bulmer, owner of Kenyon Hall Farm in Warrington, is adapting his strawberry crop by employing a 'pick your own' model on tabletops using fertigation – which provides greater control over growing conditions. This has extended their picking season from one month to three.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is calling for crucial investment to support farmers as they adapt to changing weather patterns and ensure the country's food security. NFU Vice-Chair Julie Egglestone stresses that prolonged periods of extreme heat are compelling farmers to rethink their operations to survive.