How England's brutal summer heat is affecting farm animals and crops

England’s prolonged heatwave and drought are already reshaping farm output, with drought affecting livestock feed availability and livestock comfort while parts of fruit production benefit from a very sunny spell. In Durham, sheep farmers reported rain allowing brief relief, but grass growth has stalled to about half normal levels by this time of year, limiting summer forage cutting. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board estimates milk production is down about 1%. Shortages of sheep shearers are also complicating animal management. For fruit, the article reports strong performance for berries and apples, and rapid ripening for some stone fruit. The overall outlook is described as mixed, with water supply a concern—especially for crops like potatoes where irrigation needs are high.