Heatwave pressures on livestock farmers and how we're helping build resilience

A potentially record-breaking heatwave is sweeping across parts of England and Wales, underlining the growing challenge climate change poses to livestock producers. For livestock systems, these extreme conditions bring immediate and practical challenges. Find out how we're helping farmers build long-term resilience.

The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning, with temperatures forecast to reach at least 39°C and potentially surpass the UK’s record for the month of June.

Combined with high humidity and “tropical nights” where temperatures remain above 20°C, the conditions increase the threat of prolonged and intense heat stress.

High temperatures can reduce feed intake and slow growth rates in cattle, sheep and pigs, while also affecting fertility and overall productivity.

Dairy cows are impacted by decreased yield and reductions in milk quality with protein and fat levels affected.

At the same time, dry conditions restrict grass growth, tightening forage supplies and forcing some farmers to use winter feed earlier than planned.

Heat stress can be clearly observed in livestock behaviour. Animals may increase their respiration rate, bunch together around water sources, reduce lying time and, in more severe cases, show signs such as open-mouth breathing and distress.

Without intervention, these conditions can quickly lead to serious welfare issues.

The current heatwave is particularly challenging because animals are not getting relief overnight. The sustained high temperatures mean stress builds over consecutive days, compounding the impact on both welfare and performance.

While this heatwave is exceptional, it reflects a wider trend.

The Met Office states that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. It is clear that hotter, drier summers are already affecting productivity, animal welfare and farm resilience.

For livestock farmers, this means adapting to more variable and extreme weather patterns as a routine part of business planning, rather than an occasional disruption.

During peak conditions, there are several immediate actions farmers can take to mitigate the effects of heat stress:

• Ensure water availability: Provide constant access to clean, cool water as intake can rise significantly in hot weather
• Provide shade: Use natural shelter such as trees and hedges or allow access to housing to reduce heat load
• Adjust handling: Move and handle livestock during the early morning or late evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day
• Support feeding patterns: Feed later in the day to reduce heat stress associated with digestion and offset reduced daytime intake
• Reduce pressure on animals: Avoid overcrowding in pens or holding areas and minimise walking distances
• Improve ventilation and cooling: Increase airflow in buildings and, where possible, use water or sprinklers to cool cattle and pigs
• Monitor closely: Watch for early signs of stress and prioritise vulnerable animals such as lambs, calves and those already unwell

These measures can make a significant difference in limiting the worst impacts during extreme heat.

Alongside adaptation in the short-term, building long-term resilience is increasingly important.

We've developed climate resilience on-farm action planners to help farmers move from awareness of climate risks to practical action.

These support structured thinking around key risks, system vulnerabilities and appropriate responses. They help farmers identify what matters most to their business, prioritise actions and plan for short, medium and long-term adaptation.

Importantly, they're designed to complement existing good practice, from soil and forage management to infrastructure and livestock strategies, while encouraging more proactive decision-making.

The current heatwave is a clear example of how climate change is already affecting livestock agriculture in the UK. With extreme temperatures and inconsistent weather patterns becoming more common, building resilience is becoming a priority.

By combining immediate actions to protect livestock with longer-term planning, farmers can better manage risk and maintain productivity.

We're supporting that transition – helping businesses adapt to a changing climate while continuing to deliver sustainable food production.