This year, the UK has seen one of the driest summers on record, with very little rainfall. For anyone in the agricultural industry, this news will not be a surprise, but it will be very alarming.
For several consecutive years, we have observed similar weather patterns, which we can only expect to continue. As a farmer or agricultural professional, it is crucial to understand the impact of these weather patterns on a harvest and plan for them effectively.
Steel-framed agricultural buildings can be an effective part of this strategy, offering many advantages over alternative materials, such as timber or masonry, in drought conditions.
Drought impact on harvest
Typical UK weather patterns have featured reliable rainfall, which previously allowed crops to thrive with plentiful water supply. The drought conditions we are observing have changed this expectation.
In terms of direct crop impact, it is expected that farmers will generally see smaller yields during harvest.
A recent report by Farmers Weekly stated: “The high cost of the exceptionally hot and dry weather on arable crops is becoming clearer, with the first AHDB harvest report showing that 90% of surveyed farms are below their five-year average for winter wheat.”
Earlier in the month, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank stated: “Britain is now on track for one of its worst cereal and oilseed harvests on record”
The ECIU also stated that the drought could wipe off “£390m off arable farmers’ turnover”.
The figures show that it is now more important than ever to properly protect yields, as any amount of spoilage is now even more damaging to profits.
Risks to crops
Dry weather conditions generally lead to poor overall yields and a lower-quality product.
Droughts can reduce the food available to animals, leading them to maraud further afield to find food, which can increase the risk of wastage through vermin.
There is also a heightened susceptibility to fungus and mould. For example, some fungi target and thrive on water-stressed crops. Protective microbes can diminish, too, which further compounds these effects.
Having the correct storage for your crop is crucial to preventing this outcome. Steel buildings provide a secure area to house crop yields, reducing these risk factors from permeating.
Silage management
For farmers also managing livestock, many of the same risks to crops apply to silage and fodder. Without adequate storage and management, silage can spoil. The effects of which will be felt deeply during periods of drought as there is less grass for animals to graze.
Increased yields
There are some circumstances where these conditions may cause some crops to ripen much earlier than expected, or provide improved yields. For example, a farmer in Kent reported a bumper cherry harvest in 2025, due to unseasonably sunny spring weather.
This may extend the need for additional storage capacity. We can structure our steel buildings with a modular design if required, so you can easily add more space if crops are harvested early, provided the foundation allows it.
Having a grain store in a drought also provides a great advantage for early harvests. If your crop is ready early, it allows you the opportunity to harvest immediately. This can further preserve profits by avoiding having to rent storage facilities and delays in grain merchant collections.
Water harvesting and management
Harvesting rainwater throughout the year ensures you’re prepared with additional water for when a drought strikes. Steel buildings can provide a convenient and secure means of harvesting and storing water on a farm.
The modular nature of steel-framed buildings can support this purpose by providing further storage space. We can also configure the roof and guttering to harvest rainwater. Please let us know if this is a requirement for your project.
Dried-out, cracked ground is typically much worse at absorbing water. So when rain does come, it is less likely to immediately benefit the soil and can even lead to flash flooding as the ground struggles to absorb the excess.
Structural damage
While dry ground presents many risks to soil water retention and the actual rearing of crops, it can also impair the actual structure of the building.
Steel-framed buildings can have structural advantages in these scenarios, as they can better tolerate ground movement than masonry or timber.
Fire risks
Fires are a much greater risk in drier conditions and deeply concerning for all farmers. While a large fire can be destructive to all buildings, steel buildings can provide a degree of protection and have limited flammable components compared to other building types (namely timber).
The fire-resistance of steel buildings may provide additional business-related advantages, such as more favourable insurance premiums (subject to provider and terms), which can avoid eating into profits further.
If grains or any granulated/powdered material is being stored, it is crucial that this is also housed correctly to reduce flammable material risks.
Key advantages of steel buildings in drought conditions
In summary, a steel-framed agricultural building has several advantages for dry conditions, including the following:
-
- Steel is much better for fire resilience when compared to materials such as timber
-
- Steel provides fewer gaps and areas where pests can gnaw or degrade material, preventing infestations and wastage
-
- Steel-framed buildings can have a modular nature, making them easier to expand where necessary, including when extra storage is needed for different crop yields
-
- They can provide adaptability for other uses, including for temporary livestock housing, storage and even for industrial uses
- Steel grain stores can be utilised for unexpected early harvests
If you would like to enquire to design and construct a steel-framed agricultural building to protect your crop yields, please contact us via the enquiry form below or give us a call.
Support for UK farmers
At Bridgewater Construction, we deeply understand the plight of farmers in the UK currently, with economic shocks, regulatory changes and an unpredictable climate creating a cocktail of difficult conditions to operate in.
With an estimated 90% of farms being family-run, we understand that these difficulties directly affect families, many of whom have stewarded their farms for generations.
With this in mind, here are some resources to assist farmers struggling under current conditions:
Where to find farming support – Red Tractor
National Directory of Farm and Rural Support Groups – The Royal Countryside Fund
