Andrew Ward, a Lincolnshire-based arable farmer, reports that the UK has experienced its wettest October, November, and December in 27 years.
He shows videos of fields devastated by the winter rains, including one where his godson’s farm is submerged under two meters of water.
The severe flooding, which began in October, has caused significant losses, with his godson potentially losing £70,000 in crops and fertilizer.
While Ward’s 650-hectare farm, which grows wheat, sugar beet, barley, and beans, hasn’t been as badly affected, the excessive rainfall has still impacted yields. Only 25% of winter crops were planted, and the harvest is expected to be poor.
Farmers across the UK are facing similar issues. The past year saw extreme rainfall across most regions, with only four out of 139 hydrological areas experiencing normal levels. Areas such as Kent and regions near major rivers have reported record-breaking wet periods.
NFU conference highlights the urgent need for increased flood defenses and better farmer support.Despite some relief in January, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology noted that soil remained saturated due to continued high rainfall in February. At the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference, flooding was a major topic. NFU president Minette Batters highlighted the widespread damage, with some farms suffering severe losses.
Henry Moreton, a Lincolnshire cereal farmer, reported his land has been flooded since autumn, with some areas under up to 15 feet of water. His crops have been heavily damaged, leading to six-figure losses.
The Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) predicts a significant drop in wheat production this year, from around 14 million to 10 million tonnes. Increased demand for spring seeds is causing shortages and higher costs.
The persistent flooding has led to calls for increased flood defense spending and better support for affected farmers. Critics argue that farmers should be compensated for storing floodwater on their land, but current policies do not offer compensation for lands on flood plains.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking at the NFU conference, acknowledged the devastation but defended the government’s support measures, including a flood recovery framework and increased flood defense spending. However, farmers remain frustrated, particularly with the lack of compensation for floodplain lands.
This dissatisfaction is reflected in recent polling, which shows a significant drop-in support for the Conservative Party among farmers. With the climate crisis likely to bring more extreme weather, finding effective solutions to protect agricultural land will be crucial for maintaining rural support.