The prolonged hot and dry conditions experienced during 2026 have placed additional pressure on farming businesses, with reduced grass growth and forage availability, increased feed and input costs, and concerns over water availability. In response, a range of Government and charitable support is being made available to help farmers manage the immediate effects of the drought and improve resilience for future periods of dry weather. 

One of the key measures is the reopening of the Water Management Grant, with up to £15 million of funding being made available. The grant is intended to support investment in on-farm water infrastructure, including reservoirs for irrigation, helping farming businesses improve water security and resilience. Further details of the scheme, including eligible works and application requirements, are expected to be confirmed when applications open in the Autumn. 

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 Window 2 will also provide an additional £50 million of funding, bringing the total available to £290 million. The scheme supports farmers undertaking sustainable farming practices, including measures which can improve soil, water management and the longer-term resilience of agricultural businesses. There are also temporary flexibilities for farmers with Environmental Land Management (ELM) agreements. These include opportunities for additional grazing or cutting, the creation of firebreaks and flexibility around certain environmental actions, helping farmers respond to the challenging conditions while retaining their payments. 

Alongside the Government schemes, RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) is providing direct support to farming families experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the drought. Its Drought Support Fund can provide financial assistance towards essential household and farming-related costs where applicants meet the relevant eligibility criteria. 

Farmers should therefore consider both capital funding for investment in water resilience and financial assistance where the drought has placed pressure on household or farm finances. Eligibility and application requirements vary between schemes, so applications should be considered on an individual basis and supporting evidence should be retained. 

If you have been affected by the drought and would like to discuss whether your farming business or household may be eligible for any of the available support, please get in touch with us. We can provide further information on the schemes available and help you understand the relevant eligibility requirements and application process.