Devon farmers to receive renewed support following bluetongue

Devon County Council has approved up to £180,000 over three years under its Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, helping farmers facing the ongoing impacts of bluetongue disease.

Starting in January, the programme will be delivered by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and builds on a scheme that ran between 2022 and 2025.

See also: Bluetongue hits ram fertility hard in hotspot areas

It will connect farming families with practical advice, funding opportunities and mental health support through organisations including the Farming Community Network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, Devon and Cornwall Police and the Samaritans.

So far in the 2026-27 season, Devon has recorded the largest concentration of bluetongue incidences, with 1,075 BTV-positive premises.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for rural affairs and a farmer, said the outbreak had left many farming families facing financial pressure, exhaustion and the loss of livestock.

“Our farming community has shown incredible resilience, but it is clear that many people need support.”

Stephen Dennis, regional manager for the Farming Community Network and a farmer, echoed these concerns, saying the pressure from the disease had come on top of a dry summer, a shortage of forage and wider financial worries.

“The longer-term effects are also deeply concerning. The disease can affect the fertility of rams and bulls, while poor condition among female animals could lead to fewer lambs and calves.”

Support is available

Chris Rice, team manager at Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said the service wanted to help farmers access available support, grants and ideas to improve business profitability.

“We want to be out and about and amongst farmers, giving them a voice, feeling that they are listened to and giving them some help and support.”

The programme is expected to restart in earnest in January 2027, but Mr Rice encouraged farmers who need immediate help to make contact before then.

“If you are struggling, don’t struggle on your own,” he said, urging farmers to contact Trading Standards or local organisations offering support.