Responding to Changing Weather
With an ever changing climate, weather patterns in Scotland are becoming more unpredictable and we are noticing more prolonged periods of extreme weather. Hotter summers, windy and wet weather can be damaging to crops, livestock and rural communities. On this page, you will find guidance on what you can do when harsh weather hits to manage crops and livestock during these challenging times.
Responding to Recent Continued Dry Weather - What You Can Do
2025 has seen repeated dry weather keeping rivers under strain throughout the year. This has brought wide ranging impacts from restrictions to irrigation licences for potato and veg producers to a shortage of grass in some livestock dominated areas. We have collated some resources to assist you in dealing with the impacts, calculating if you will have enough forage to get through the winter and building resilience for the future:
Farming in water scarcity | Helping farmers in Scotland
A Step-by-Step Guide to Forage and Feed Budgeting | Helping farmers in Scotland
Forage Budgeting Guide for the Dairy Herd | Helping farmers in Scotland
Water Security in Scottish Dairying | Helping farmers in Scotland
SEPA - Water Scarcity
SEPA report on water scarcity levels and to identify how severe the situation is in your area and across Scotland, click the link below.
Responding to Hot & Dry Weather
Here you will find resources on what to do when we are challenged with hot and/or dry weather:
Weather Patterns and Water Scarcity
Water Security in Scottish Dairying
Managing livestock in hot weather
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
Warning: Heat Stress, Beef Cows
Grassland Management
Crops and Soils Bulletin June 2023 - Managing Grass in Dry Conditions
Managing Grass Swards in Dry Conditions
Managing Grassland After A Drought
Prolonged Dry Weather On Grass
Feed Budgeting
A Step-by-Step Guide to Forage and Feed Budgeting
Forage Budgeting Guide for the Dairy Herd
Responding to Cold Weather
Here you will find resources on what to do when we are challenged with cold and snowy weather:
Snow In Early Ewe Pregnancy; Hazards And What To Do
Keeping Newborns Warm in Cold Weather
Maintaining Performance of Sheep in Adverse Winter Weather
Feeding Ewes In Mid-Pregnancy Under Snowy Conditions
Milk Manager News January 2023 - How Does Cold Weather Affect Milking Cows?
Responding to Wet Weather & Storms
Here you will find resources on what to do when we are challenged with wet and stormy weather:
What To Do If Your Forage Is Affected By Flooding
Forestry Information Note: Forestry Update – Felling Permission and Windblown Trees
More guidance can be found at Farming and Water Scotland
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