Summary
Dairy farmers in the West Country are struggling because a long and dry spring has dried up the grass, leaving it with no nutritional value. Farmers are now using grain meant for winter to feed their cattle, which is costly and unusual for this time of year.
Key Facts
- The spring of 2025 was the warmest and sunniest on record and the driest since 1893.
- Dairy farmers in the West Country, like Sarah Godwin in north Wiltshire, are feeding their cattle grain usually reserved for winter.
- The dry conditions have left grass with no nutritional value, forcing unusual measures.
- Typically, cows graze on pasture all summer, but now farmers must provide extra feed.
- Experts point out that spring is vital for plant growth, and its dryness has hurt grass and crops.
- Professor Nicola Cannon highlighted that grass growth was severely affected due to the dry spring.
- The Royal Agricultural University is studying stressed grass conditions through an experimental meadow.
- Across Wiltshire, hay yields have decreased by 50% due to the dry conditions.
