Adam Henson, well known for his role on Countryfile, has provided a candid update on the challenging conditions affecting his farm in the Cotswolds. In a recent video filmed at Bemborough Farm, he detailed how the UK’s extended dry spell and recent heatwaves are impacting this year’s harvest and the broader farming landscape.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reports that the 2026 harvest is the earliest in at least two decades, with combines operating sooner than usual across much of the country. Despite the early harvesting, cereal yields to date are generally below the 10-year average, with some farms experiencing notably reduced outputs.
At Cotswold Farm Park, where 650 hectares of thin, stony land are cultivated-growing winter wheat, winter barley, and spring barley in rotation-the weather plays a crucial role in productivity. “When the weather is with you, it’s some of the most rewarding land in the country to farm. When it isn’t, there’s nowhere to hide,” the farm’s latest harvesting video summary states.
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In his video update, Adam openly discussed the impact of the drought and the soil conditions on yields and farm profitability. “Because of the drought and our thin soil, the yields may not be that good,” he said. He noted that yields for winter wheat and barley are down by about one to one and a half tonnes per hectare, which significantly affects the farm’s financial returns.
Moreover, with global commodity prices for wheat and barley relatively low-though improving slightly-profits from grain production remain limited this year, Adam explained. Normally, harvest time is an exciting period when farmers reap the rewards of their efforts and investment in the crops planted the previous autumn and spring. However, he admitted, “Sadly, this year it’s not looking good for us and lots of other arable farmers across the UK.”
Adam also gave viewers a glimpse inside the grain store, showing the 350 tonnes of barley they have accumulated, which is less than what would typically be expected. The current situation has been compounded by last year’s severe drought and an excessively wet 2024, resulting in “three difficult years” for the farm.
He concluded with a reflection on the broader challenges faced by arable farmers in the UK, saying, “It’s really feeling a bit tough and my personality is such that I want to be really positive about farming. I think it’s one of the best jobs in the world, but actually arable farming at the moment is hard.”
Fans can catch Adam’s programme, Young Farmers: Yorkshire Dales, airing tonight at 6pm on BBC One.