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UK Farmers Face Lowest Yields Amid Drought Fears
24 Dec
Summary
- Farmer estimates 20-25% yield reduction for key crops.
- Unpredictable weather patterns make farming financially challenging.
- 2025 on track to be UK's hottest year on record.
A North Yorkshire farmer has described 2025 as one of the lowest yielding years for certain crops in recent memory. Richard Bramley, an arable farmer from Kelfield, estimates his yield for crops like cereal and oilseed has fallen by 20-25% this year. This significant reduction is attributed to the severe drought that affected Yorkshire during the summer months.
Mr. Bramley highlighted the growing financial strain on farmers, stating that while farming always involves challenges, consistently ending the year on the right side financially has become increasingly difficult. He links this to the growing unpredictability of weather patterns impacting harvests and farm viability.
The broader context for these agricultural challenges is provided by the Met Office, which has indicated that 2025 is on course to be the UK's hottest year since records began. Climate change is cited as the primary driver behind these escalating temperatures, posing ongoing threats to agricultural productivity.
