Livestock housing solutions specialist, Galebreaker, is encouraging dairy farmers to apply for the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 grants to invest in ventilation and monitoring systems to combat heat stress ahead of the 28 April deadline.

Galebreaker’s animal welfare expert, Chloe Rodriguez, says high performing dairy cows in the UK can begin to experience heat stress at just 18°C, particularly in humid conditions.

“Through the FETF, farmers have the opportunity to get funding for equipment to tackle heat stress and safeguard herd health and productivity,” she says.

“I’d strongly encourage farmers to look at the options available. For many, last summer was a wake-up call. Four heatwaves in one season is not something dairy farmers can afford to ignore.”

“The impact of heat stress can be prolonged and costly – feed intakes drop, milk production suffers and fertility rates decline. From a welfare perspective, it also puts animals under significant strain with associated health issues such a mastitis and lameness.”

As climate patterns shift and heat stress becomes more prevalent, the FETF grants present a timely opportunity for farmers to enhance their livestock environments before temperatures and humidity rise.

“Farmers cannot control the weather, but they can control how well their buildings help cows cope with it. With the FETF funding now available, there’s no better time to invest in solutions that will make a real difference this summer,” adds Miss Rodriguez.

Farmers can access Galebreaker’s heat stress advisory services for housing assessments, sensor installation, and monthly heat map reports via Galebreaker’s animal welfare team.

FETF applications are open until 28 April 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 - GOV.UK