Defra under pressure over drought grazing rules

Livestock farmers are urging Defra to introduce temporary drought grazing derogations as forage shortages worsen following one of England’s driest springs in decades.

The Environment Agency said England received just 3% of its long-term average July rainfall, with exceptionally dry conditions severely restricting grass growth.

As a result, many livestock producers have been forced to use winter forage reserves months earlier than planned while agri-environment scheme rules continue to limit grazing on some field margins and herbal leys.

See also: Meat body urges Defra to rethink SFI legume fallow rules

National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand said the prolonged dry spell was having a serious impact on grazing.

“Grass in some places, it’s not just shrivelled up; it’s completely disappeared. People have been left with the equivalent of the Sahara Desert. It’s just dust.”

Situation becoming critical

Northamptonshire mixed farmer and Ceres Rural agronomist Louise Penn has called on Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to urgently review grazing restrictions under Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) in drought-hit areas.

“The situation on many livestock farms is now becoming critical. Grass growth has effectively ceased on large areas of grazing land.”

She said easing restrictions on selected stewardship and SFI options could help relieve pressure on livestock farmers while maintaining environmental outcomes.

Urgent action needed

Farmers argue there is already a precedent for temporary flexibility.

During the 2022 drought, Defra and the RPA allowed additional grazing and cutting on selected Countryside Stewardship options, including AB8 (flower-rich margins and plots) and AB15 (two-year sown legume fallow), to help address forage shortages.

The RPA also confirmed in 2025 that Stewardship and SFI derogations could be considered where drought affected feed supplies.

Ms Penn said similar measures should now be introduced in the worst-affected areas.

“We are asking RPA and Defra to urgently review whether county-level, regional or national flexibility can be introduced for the most severely affected areas.”

She said allowing controlled grazing or cutting on stewardship and SFI options containing standing forage would help ease feed shortages.

“This is no longer a theoretical concern. It is a practical and immediate animal welfare, farming and food production issue.”

Mr Shand backed the call, saying temporary derogations were needed wherever standing forage could be safely grazed. 

“This becomes a welfare challenge, and that’s just common sense,” he said.

“Government keeps telling us they listen to the industry, so they’ve got to show a bit of flexibility and, moreover, some common sense.”

Defra response

A Defra spokesman said the department recognised the impact prolonged dry weather was having on farmers.

“We are also actively engaging with the sector and considering additional ways to support farmers through the current prolonged dry spell.”

Defra advised farmers and land managers concerned about drought impacts to contact the RPA and consult its extreme weather guidance.