In Austria, heat and drought are forcing dairy farmers to move cattle from Alpine pastures to barns earlier, raising feed costs and prompting some to consider emergency slaughter.

Severe drought and reduced rainfall have battered Austria’s agricultural sector, with losses nearing €1 billion across farming activities.

Impacts vary by region, with some pastures already empty of cattle while others still support grazing, reflecting uneven climate effects.

Across the water sector, Ofwat and the government unveiled a plan to invest about £2 billion at the 2024 price review to fund 30 large projects, including nine new reservoirs, intended to deliver around 1.4 billion litres per day and bolster long-term resilience.

Analysts warn that groundwater risk hinges on multiple factors beyond rainfall, underscoring complex water-security dynamics.

Industry voices advocate diverse water-management strategies—from rotating crops to hedges and dikes—and call for reevaluating irrigation equipment to boost efficiency and resilience against climate change.

Adaptation ideas include water-efficient farming practices (timed irrigation, drip systems), on-farm storage, crop diversification and drought-tolerant varieties, soil humus management, and even CRISPR-based drought-resistant crops.

Short-term relief may come from mid-summer showers, but long-term recovery depends on a milder, longer autumn; researchers use Helmholtz Zentrum and DWD data to assess risk and guide guidance.

Rapeseed yields are expected to fall, driven more by pest pressures than rainfall alone, though deeper roots offer some resilience.

Similarly, canola yields face declines due to pests, with higher risk in certain crop regions.

Storage capacity at cooperative facilities remains adequate for the incoming harvest, but securing continued transport to export hubs and mills is critical.

In the UK, Elveden Estate is investing in irrigation infrastructure and reservoirs to safeguard crops, yet managers warn that water supply may still be insufficient for the season if conditions persist.