Drought support: what Lincolnshire farmers need to know
Mon 17 Aug 2026
It has been a challenging summer for many farming businesses, with prolonged dry weather putting pressure on water supplies, crops, grazing and day-to-day farm management. The devastating wildfires we have also seen locally are a stark reminder of just how dry conditions have become and why building greater resilience for the future is so important.
In light of these challenges, the Government has now announced a package of support to help farmers manage the pressures they are facing and strengthen resilience for the future. So, what does this mean for farmers here in Lincolnshire?
More flexibility for ELM agreements
Temporary adjustments are being made to eligible ELM agreements where dry conditions are making it difficult to meet certain requirements.
This includes greater flexibility around cutting and grazing, creating firebreaks and having more time to establish some actions.
Importantly for farmers here in Lincolnshire, all counties in England currently meet the criteria for these temporary adjustments.
Up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs
The Water Management Grant is being reopened, with up to £15 million available to help farmers invest in on-farm reservoirs.
The grant is expected to open in the autumn and will focus on water storage for crop irrigation, which could be particularly relevant to arable and horticultural businesses.
Planning guidance is also being updated to make it easier for farmers to progress reservoir projects, with further guidance expected in September.
More flexibility around abstraction
If you have an abstraction licence and are concerned about water supplies, temporary flexibilities are available through the Environment Agency during periods of extreme dry weather.
These can include changes to abstraction seasons, reservoir refilling and other abstraction arrangements, depending on individual circumstances and environmental conditions.
Further changes are also planned to make longer-term abstraction licences for reservoirs easier to apply for.
More SFI26 funding
A further £50 million has been added to SFI26, taking the total budget to £290 million and providing more opportunity for farmers looking to invest in sustainable and resilient farming practices.
For many farming businesses, water management is becoming an increasingly important part of long-term planning. With funding and support now available, it could be a good time to look at what opportunities might work for your business.
Not sure where to start?
Abi Saunders, our Masons Rural Agri Business Advisor, can help you understand what support may be available and how it could fit into your wider farm business plans. Give Abi a call on 01507 350512 for a chat.
In light of these challenges, the Government has now announced a package of support to help farmers manage the pressures they are facing and strengthen resilience for the future. So, what does this mean for farmers here in Lincolnshire?
More flexibility for ELM agreements
Temporary adjustments are being made to eligible ELM agreements where dry conditions are making it difficult to meet certain requirements.
This includes greater flexibility around cutting and grazing, creating firebreaks and having more time to establish some actions.
Importantly for farmers here in Lincolnshire, all counties in England currently meet the criteria for these temporary adjustments.
Up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs
The Water Management Grant is being reopened, with up to £15 million available to help farmers invest in on-farm reservoirs.
The grant is expected to open in the autumn and will focus on water storage for crop irrigation, which could be particularly relevant to arable and horticultural businesses.
Planning guidance is also being updated to make it easier for farmers to progress reservoir projects, with further guidance expected in September.
More flexibility around abstraction
If you have an abstraction licence and are concerned about water supplies, temporary flexibilities are available through the Environment Agency during periods of extreme dry weather.
These can include changes to abstraction seasons, reservoir refilling and other abstraction arrangements, depending on individual circumstances and environmental conditions.
Further changes are also planned to make longer-term abstraction licences for reservoirs easier to apply for.
More SFI26 funding
A further £50 million has been added to SFI26, taking the total budget to £290 million and providing more opportunity for farmers looking to invest in sustainable and resilient farming practices.
For many farming businesses, water management is becoming an increasingly important part of long-term planning. With funding and support now available, it could be a good time to look at what opportunities might work for your business.
Not sure where to start?
Abi Saunders, our Masons Rural Agri Business Advisor, can help you understand what support may be available and how it could fit into your wider farm business plans. Give Abi a call on 01507 350512 for a chat.