The hottest summer on record increases financial pressures on farmers

By Robert Blair, Partner and ARA specialist

The Met Office has confirmed that summer 2025 was the hottest on record.

The country had an average mean temperature of 16.1°C, eclipsing the previous record set in 2018.

While much of the UK will have basked in the warm weather, farmers are really feeling the heat. Combined with the driest spring on record, the hot summer has increased financial pressures on farmers.

What impact has record-breaking weather had on farms?

The record-breaking summer has had a detrimental impact on farmers across the UK, hitting crops, livestock, and grass growth.

The warm and dry weather has seen grass growth decline by 80 per cent, which has forced farmers to dip into their winter reserves or explore alternative measures to ensure their livestock are fed.

This has placed financial strain on farmers and affected food reserves for the winter months. Unsurprisingly, farm livestock has also struggled with the warm temperatures, causing increased heat stress cases.

Crops have also suffered, with farmers reporting a 50 per cent loss in cereal and potato harvests. A combination of the warm temperatures and severe lack of rain has forced many farmers to bring in their crops much earlier.

While some farmers will have eased the financial impact of the hot summer via the Sustainable Farming Incentive, others have felt the full force, and the pressure will only intensify heading into the colder months of the year.

How can farmers assess the financial impact?

Many farmers will be preparing for the next few months as the seasons change, but they will be assessing the true impact the summer has had on their business.

That preparation and those plans could be dependent on what financial resources are available. Having a clear picture of what impact the summer has made will help you try to put a plan in place.

Our team of experts can help you assess your finances so you have a clear understanding of your current financial position. We can help you budget, plan, and execute any strategy.

Understand your financial position, speak to our team today for tailored advice and support.