Farmers urge people to 'be patient' amid drought

Farmers and animal charities say this summer's heatwaves and droughts have had a "huge impact" on crops and feed.

Meteorologists have said summer 2026 is on course to be the Channel Islands' hottest since records began, with temperatures reaching as high as 39.3C (102.74F) in Jersey in June before it was later declared in drought.

Clairval Organic Dairy Farm near Maufant said in a post on social media the weather was "tough" for growers and dairy farmers and staff were urging people to "be patient" about supplies and prices.

Rebecca Hefford, owner of animal charity Paws and Claws, in St Mary, said "it's been very difficult" and the predicted hotter summers would be a "disaster" for farmers.

Clairval said grass was no growing as it should, crops had not produced what they needed and fields needed reseeding.

The farm said there was not enough food available and the cost of it had gone "through the roof."

It said lots of steady, soaking rain over a sustained period was required to replenish the ground so things would start growing again.

"Bear with us, be kind, be patient.

"Understand that when food prices rise or things aren't quite as plentiful as they normally are, there are some very real reasons behind it.

"It's not easy being a farmer right now - we're doing our best to keep going, keep producing, and keep providing - but we need a little understanding along the way."

Hefford said the charity normally grew fruit and vegetables to help feed the animals in its care, but the drought had made that "virtually impossible'.

The charity cares for a variety of animals, including 132 birds of many varieties, including cockatiels and budgies; a horse, cats, tortoises and guinea pigs.

Hefford said the climate had made it very hard to feed the animals.

She said the average yearly spend on food was about £3,500, but she had spent about £4,500 so far this year.

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