Squier's Essex farm uses herbal leys to stay green amid England's 71% drought
Source: Reuters · All Reuters reports
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Summary
The Reuters segment reports that 71% of England is in drought during what is on track to be the UK's hottest summer on record. It profiles Sam Squier's 200-acre beef farm near Chelmsford, which remains green thanks to regenerative practices using herbal leys and mob-grazed Aberdeen Angus cattle. The piece notes England's driest July since 1836, a cereal harvest projected to be the worst since 1984, and lower yields for fruit and vegetables. Squier describes the multi-species sward, trampling for soil cover, improved water retention, and eight years without buying winter feed. The report references policymakers' growing focus on soil resilience under climate extremes.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately contextualizes the farm's resilience within verified national drought conditions and harvest forecasts drawn from Environment Agency, Met Office and Reuters analyses. It correctly identifies the farm and its methods, which have been documented in prior agricultural coverage. Viewers receive a clear illustration of how herbal leys can maintain productivity when conventional pastures fail, without overstating broader applicability. The only minor gap is the absence of independent measurement for the cited 400,000 L per acre water increase, presented solely as the farmer's estimate. No loaded language or omitted counter-evidence appears.
Key Moments
Around 70% of England is now in drought
Environment Agency and National Drought Group data confirm 71.3% as of mid-August 2026.
England's driest July since records began in 1836 and warmest June
Met Office provisional statistics record 6.5 mm rainfall for England, the lowest since 1836.
UK cereal harvest on track to be the worst since records began in 1984
Reuters/ECIU analysis projects 19.5 million tonnes, the lowest since detailed records started.
Squier farm near Chelmsford has not bought winter feed for eight years due to herbal leys
Farm confirmed at Humphreys Farm, Great Waltham; prior coverage documents the shift to herbal leys and self-sufficiency.
Soil now holds around 400,000 L more water per acre
Farmer estimate; no independent soil-moisture or hydrological study cited in available reporting.
Sources Consulted
- Dry weather and drought in England: 7 to 13 August 2026
- Almost three-quarters of England now in drought, UK government says
- Historic July sees record dryness, unprecedented sunshine and exceptional warmth
- Drought-hit Britain heads for worst cereal harvest in four decades
- How cattle on herbal leys have transformed Essex farm
- How we farm – The Squiers and Humphreys Farm