A South West agricultural expert has said he is worried about the strain this summer’s prolonged spell of hot weather is putting on the region’s farming community.

Simon Hay, of Lycetts insurers, said the heat and a lack of rain in recent months is taking its toll on farmers, who are increasingly faced with animal welfare issues, crop failure concerns and wildfire risks. 

Simon has highlighted the adverse impact the weather is having on farmers, who are already feeling the pressure, with some having to sell livestock they can’t feed. 

He warned, if the hot weather continues as expected, farming businesses will have an uphill battle to recover – and could be dealing with the effects until early next year.