'Extreme weather is killing our family farm'

Simon Hinchliffe, from Slade Hooton, said farming was becoming more difficult due to extreme weather ruining crops

A farmer has said that extreme and unpredictable weather events are killing crops and threatening the future of his family's farm.

Simon Hinchliffe from Slade Hooton, Rotherham, said that crop yields were down by a third this year due to dry weather, with 1,300 fewer tonnes of milling wheat than expected.

England has experienced its driest spring in more than 100 years, according to the Met Office, and a drought has been declared across Yorkshire.

Mr Hinchliffe said: "I would always wish to continue in farming, but the economics at the moment mean that may not be possible - you can't lose money year on year."

Last year, the farm suffered similar losses due to flooding, when the UK suffered the second-wettest winter on record between October 2023 and March 2024.

When yields are low, Mr Hinchliffe said purchasers were more likely to import wheat from overseas to meet demand.

But this meant the price value did not alter in the UK, leading to a loss of profit, he explained.

Mr Hinchliffe said this storage shed would usually be full of grain at this stage of the year, but crop yields are down by a third

Their forecast budget anticipated that the farm would not make a profit for two years out of five, but "the good years are [becoming] fewer, so it's getting more difficult," said Mr Hinchliffe.

To subsidise food production, the farm was now exploring other income streams such as hosting weddings and renting land.

However, he said his 19-year-old son also wanted to pursue a career in farming, adding he was "immensely proud that he still wants to" despite the challenges.

"We do a job that is essential, and it's not just a job to us, it's a way of life," he said.

"We want to produce wholesome, good quality food to be proud of."

'Hugely varied picture'

The National Farmers' Union's crops board chair, Jamie Burrows, said feedback from farmers and growers painted a "hugely varied picture" this year.

"Some are seeing better-than-expected yields, while others are facing significant drops which will have substantial financial implications," he said.

However, he stressed weather extremes, such as drought and flood, were "becoming more pronounced and regular".

He said: "Looking ahead, farmers growing crops need investment in climate adaptation and resilient crop varieties to safeguard our ability to feed the nation, weather market volatility and to adapt to a changing climate.

"Across the wider farming industry, we need investment in water infrastructure and changes to our planning system so we're better able to capture rain in times of plenty for use when it's needed," he added.

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