Will the Cabinet Minister assess the impact of the current dry weather on winter fodder stocks with the aim of ascertaining whether emergency support will be required later in the year?
My officials are working with counterparts in the UK Government and other Devolved Governments to monitor input costs and the impact of weather events on agricultural markets through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group. Early findings from AHDB’s harvest monitoring show that the 2026 harvest is progressing earlier than usual, with cereal yields generally below the 10-year average following prolonged hot and dry weather. Yield performance varies considerably across regions and farm types, reflecting differences in rainfall, soil type and moisture retention. Further iterations of the AHDB Harvest Progress Report are due later in August and during September, which will provide a clearer assessment of crop production, quality and potential implications for livestock feed availability and farm business resilience
The Welsh Government Drought Liaison Group is also meeting regularly, bringing together relevant organisations to share intelligence and support a coordinated response where impacts emerge.
Farmers in the Sustainable Farming Scheme can apply for a temporary derogation where extreme weather affects their ability to meet scheme requirements.