Responding to Hot & Dry Weather
Extended dry spells and hot weather are becoming more common in Scotland and predictions suggest the pattern of more weather extremes is likely to continue.
FAS have prepared a range of resources to assist you when challenged with extended periods of no rainfall and/or hot temperatures.
This page will assist you in both immediate responses during extreme weather but also information and resources on how to assess your vulnerability to water scarcity and practical steps that you can take ahead of the extreme weather setting in.
Water Scarcity and How to Increase Your Resilience
Being Prepared for Water Scarcity
In an ever changing climate, FAS have a number of resources that can help you prepare for instances of water scarcity.
Planning for Water Scarcity – New Practical Guide for Farmers and Growers in Scotland
Assessing Water Scarcity on Your Farm Videos
Building Resilience to Water Scarcity
Building resilience into your business is key to working with a changing climate, but where do you start? In this video we discuss what steps and strategies are available to increase resilience to water scarcity, looking at short, medium and long term options for your business. Watch our video >>
Water Scarcity - How Vulnerable is your Farm?
How resilient are you to water scarcity, know your risks? In this three part video series we discuss how you can assess your vulnerability level to water scarcity. Watch our video >>
Water Scarcity - Understanding Your Hazard Levels On-Farm
How resilient are you to water scarcity, know your risks? In this video, we discuss how you can assess your hazard level to water scarcity. Watch our video >>
Water Scarcity - Assessing Your Farm's Exposure
How resilient are you to water scarcity, know your risks? In this video, as part of a three-part video series, we discuss how you can assess your exposure level to water scarcity. Watch our video >>
Alleviating Water Scarcity
There are actions you can take to alleviate the effects of water scarcity. Our publications outline some ideas that can help alleviate the long term effects:
Using Technology to Defend Against Water Scarcity in Scotland
Using Organic Matter to Alleviate Water Scarcity
Managing Livestock in Hot Weather
Ensuring livestock are well taken care of during hot weather is vitally important for animal welfare and for your business. Below we have some articles that can help you manage your livestock in hot weather:
How to Minimise Heat Stress in the Dairy Herd
How Are Your Cows Coping with the Warmer Weather?
Feeding Livestock In Hot Weather
Bulling at Grass - Nutritional Management in a Hot & Dry Period
Tips For Transporting Livestock In Hot Weather
Grassland Management
Dry grass swards can be a concern for many farmers after a period of dry weather. These publications provide advice on what steps to take to help your grassland recover:
Crops and Soils Bulletin June 2023 - Managing Grass in Dry Conditions
Managing Grass Swards in Dry Conditions
Feed & Forage
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