By Beth Alexander, Monitor Farm Programme Manager

The recent spell of warm weather has brought contrasting challenges for livestock farmers across Scotland, with conditions varying significantly depending on local rainfall. While some areas have continued to receive enough moisture to maintain grass growth, others are feeling the effects of prolonged dry conditions.

Across the Monitor Farms in Scotland we have seen big differences in rainfall and therefore grass growth. The Roxburgh Monitor Farm near Morebattle has experienced limited rainfall of 86.4mm since 23^rd May 2026 which combined with high temperatures has slowed grass growth considerably. This has become a seasonal pattern for Monitor Farmer, Robert Wilson who has adapted his system to leave taller covers earlier in the season in response to prolonged dry periods. Nearby farms that entered the summer with lower grass covers are seeing grazing supplies tighten, making careful grass budgeting and grazing management increasingly important. Borders farmers have expressed concern regarding winter feedstock but Robert hopes to overcome this using cover crops if he finds a shortfall nearer to harvest.

By contrast, much of Aberdeenshire has benefited from more favourable rainfall, leaving many farms with strong grass covers and good grazing availability despite the warmer conditions. The Deeside Monitor Farm at Torphins, Duncan and Claire Morrison, have seen approximately 145mm of rainfall in the same time period. Grass growth has been strong with good yields of silage but the hot weather is beginning to slow grass growth now. Rotational grazing is fundamental to the Morrison’s system. In response to the recent drier climate, the Morrison’s have begun to lengthen the rotation and leave taller covers behind the livestock to avoid grass scorching in the sun and retaining more moisture at ground level. This has been a different season to last year for the Torphins area, where September 2025 saw them be one of the driest spots in Europe.

Regardless of grass availability, protecting livestock from heat stress should remain a priority. Providing access to shade or shelter, whether through trees, hedges or trailers in fields can help animals regulate their body temperature and reduce the effects of prolonged heat.

An adequate supply of fresh drinking water is equally important. Farmers should regularly check water flow and trough space – making sure calves can reach the water troughs too – as livestock water demand increases significantly during hot weather. As a guide, daily water requirements can increase to:

• A 700kg lactating suckler cow with calf at foot can drink 105 litres of water a day
• Poppy Frater has some good water supply advice here through the Farm Advisory Service: https://www.fas.scot/article/supplying-water-to-rotationally-grazed-beef-cattle

With weather patterns continuing to vary across Scotland, monitoring both grass growth and livestock condition will be key. Decisions around grazing rotations, supplementary feeding and water provision may need to be tailored to local conditions rather than following a national picture.