Farmers struggle with flooding after weeks of continuous rainfall
12th February 2026
Many farmers across the UK have faced severe flooding as a result of continuous rainfall since the beginning of 2026.
According to the Met Office, North Wyke, Cardinham and Astwood Bank have recorded rainfall every single day so far this year, resulting in dozens of flood alerts and warnings being issued.
Northamptonshire farmer Ben Aveling of Radmore Farm said that conditions on his farm are “almost fit for growing rice”.
He added: “We are lucky to not be in the position that some other farms are in, and by that, I mean we’re not underwater.
“Just last week I had to administer some emergency treatment to my rams, as they were suffering what could only be described as something like trench foot. We have jobs to do on the fields, some slurry spreading, and this will be near impossible until at least a week of dry weather or a spell of -8 degrees to crust the surface.”
Mr Aveling said that he is the most concerned about the conditions for the lambs in the near future.
“If this weather doesn’t improve dramatically, we will be stuck with too many indoor lambs. With the boggy conditions twinned with a cold snap, it could spell disaster for the little ones. But, it always comes good, doesn’t it? Maybe it’ll not be worth worrying about, and it’ll all be fine. Who knows?”
Situation in Somerset
Somerset farmer James Winslade confirmed that 92% of his self-sufficient beef and arable farm is currently underwater.
Mr Winslade said that winter wheat he sowed back in October is now very close to rotting.
“That means tens of thousands of pounds gone. Not just in that field, but over the other fields. It hasn’t been this bad since the major floods of 2014,” he told Sky News.
ICYMI 📺| Somerset farmer James Winslade showed @SkyNews the devastating impact recent wet weather has had on his farm and why investment is sorely needed to help manage flooding long-term.
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) February 12, 2026
Watch here 👉 https://t.co/1ceGI5Ercp pic.twitter.com/ErK9sO1phw
NFU president Tom Bradshaw added: “Many areas of the country are experiencing devastating floods, and our thoughts are with those communities affected. Somerset in particular has been badly hit, where hundreds of acres of productive farmland have been flooded.
“While it’s still too early to understand the full impact on this season’s crops, many fields have been submerged for nearly two weeks, and if this continues, arable farmers face a real risk of crops beginning to rot in the ground. The core focus for livestock farmers will be the welfare of any animals impacted, and then getting that water off the land as quickly as possible, and pumping stations are operating where they can.”
Mr Bradshaw said that this situation highlights the need for long-term investment in water infrastructure, so that farmers and growers can continue to grow food for the nation.
“With many flood warnings in place, we are continuing to monitor the situation and are supporting our members via our network of contacts in the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and local authorities,” he concluded.
‘The last thing we need’
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has warned of the impact of the ongoing rainy weather on farming.
CLA president Gavin Lane said: “Cereal prices are on the floor and often below the cost of production. Milk prices are no better. We face uncertainty about funding for environmental schemes, while inheritance tax reforms have forced a collapse in investment.
“After an incredibly dry summer that produced poor yields and no profit, this extended period of heavy rain is the last thing we need.”
According to DEFRA-commissioned research, winter floods cost farmers an average of £480 per hectare. Costs to arable and horticultural businesses may be two to four times higher, respectively.
Weather forecast
The Met Office confirmed that at the end of this week, colder conditions will temporarily take over from the constant rain.
An Arctic maritime air mass will gradually introduce colder conditions from the north of Scotland southwards this Thursday and Friday.
This shift in conditions will be accompanied by outbreaks of rain, turning increasingly to sleet and snow initially over higher levels but then to lower elevations too for a time.
Jason Kelly, Met Office chief forecaster, said: “Any settling snow will mainly be confined to high ground. Locations above 200 metres in Scotland and northern England may see 2-5cm of snow, but those locations above 300 metres may see double those amounts, up to 10 cm.
“As the rain and snow clear south, temperatures will fall quickly under the clear skies, which could lead to ice forming on untreated surfaces.”
The freezing level will continue to fall over the coming days, meaning that where any precipitation does fall, there is an increased likelihood that it will be of snow, even at relatively low elevations (greys on the map) ❄️ pic.twitter.com/K8Cde2dOnn
— Met Office (@metoffice) February 11, 2026
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