Farming News - EA: Farmers urged to plan now as dry weather bites
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EA: Farmers urged to plan now as dry weather bites
- Driest spring in 132 years puts pressure on water supplies with farmers advised to plan now to protect summer crops
- Short-term action bolstered by Environment Agency help farmers to build long-term resilience
Farmers are being advised to take immediate steps to conserve water and secure sufficient supplies for their crops this summer, the Environment Agency has said, following England’s driest spring since 1893.
The dry spring has meant many farmers are tapping into their stored water to irrigate earlier than normal and without significant rainfall, concerns about water shortages later in the summer – particularly in East Anglia – are mounting. Some regions, including the North West and Yorkshire, are already in drought, with others at risk.
The impact extends beyond agriculture, with the natural environment also showing signs of stress from the prolonged dry conditions.
In response, the Environment Agency is providing extra support to help farmers manage supplies more efficiently, as well as increasing river monitoring and communications of the situation.
Farmers are being encouraged to consider how they can conserve their water supplies, especially those taking from farm reservoirs. Steps include reducing leakage of water from their equipment, closely monitoring crop need to conserve water, and considering the time of day when they irrigate.
Deputy Director for Water Resources at the Environment Agency, Richard Thompson, said:
“Our officers are working with farmers to ensure they have access to water whilst also protecting the environment. I urge farmers to take action now to conserve water as we enter the summer and to use water resources as efficiently as possible.
“In the longer term, our new National Framework for Water Resources includes a range of measures to help farmers build water resilience, support local water solutions, and build in real-time data to manage water abstraction more sustainably
"As our climate changes, coordinated action is critical to secure our water future, protect food production, and drive resilience and growth across farming and rural communities."
Spray irrigation, which is essential for protecting crops during hot, dry weather, is facing increasing pressure as ongoing dry conditions reduce river and groundwater levels in some areas. Without further rainfall, some farmers may face restrictions on water abstraction that could affect their ability to irrigate crops. To help manage this, the Environment Agency has published an updated Spray Irrigation Prospects Report on 24 June, along with further support for farmers.
Last week, the Environment Agency published its Water Resources National Framework which explained that due to climate change and population growth and without sustained action, we will face a daily shortfall of 5 billion litres by 2055. The plans cover how the agriculture sector can respond, including promoting smart technologies like soil moisture sensors, efficient irrigation systems, and encouraging collaboration through Water Abstractor Groups to boost long-term resilience.
With climate change driving more frequent and severe droughts, the Environment Agency is taking proactive steps to build long-term resilience—supporting food production, protecting rural communities, and safeguarding the natural environment for generations to come.