Appeals to Defra for grazing derogation as drought bites

Livestock farmers are calling on Defra to urgently grant a general grazing derogation for agri-environment land, warning that severe drought across large parts of England has left pastures bare and winter forage stocks critically short.

David Barton, Gloucestershire beef farmer and NFU Livestock Board chairman, described the situation as the worst he has ever faced.

See also: NSA seeks early access to Countryside Stewardship fallow ground

“We’ve had almost no rain through March, April, May and June,” said Mr Barton.

“Our silage was grazed off early because we had no choice, then the rain never came.

“Our hay crop is a third of normal and we’re already feeding full winter rations in July. There is nothing left to graze.”

Farmers across many regions are bound by agri-environment scheme rules in Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) that prohibit grazing on certain field margins and herbal leys until later in the summer.

Urgent action needed

Mr Barton stressed the need for urgent, central action from Defra, rather than expecting individual farmers to apply for minor and temporary adjustments.

“This is a one-in-100-year event. Defra talks about partnership. Well, now’s the time to act like one. Waiting until September will be too late,” he warned.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has echoed the call, writing to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) requesting early grazing of Countryside Stewardship land under the AB15 (two-year sown legume fallow) and AB18 (improved grassland fallow) options.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “There is a pressing need to access these areas sooner than permitted under scheme rules.

“A temporary derogation would ease immediate forage pressures while still respecting environmental goals.”

He warned that without flexibility, animal welfare and the viability of many farm businesses could be at risk.

Defra said it is reviewing the request.

A spokesperson said: “Farmers experiencing difficulties with the delivery of their Countryside Stewardship agreement can request temporary adjustments to scheme requirements in cases of drought and extreme weather.”

Farmers wishing to make such a request can either email the RPA at ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk, or write to: Rural Payments Agency, PO Box 352, Worksop S80 9FG.

For further information, call 03000 200 301.

But Mr Barton warned that the current process deters farmers from applying due to fears of delayed payments.

“A general derogation would be fair, efficient, and show Defra understands the severity of this crisis,” he said.