Drought in Wales forces farmers to reduce sheep stock due to a shortage of feed.

The past July was the driest on record in Wales. Due to the lack of precipitation and hot weather, grass growth in pastures has practically come to a halt. Farmers, who usually start using stored hay in October, were forced to switch to it as early as June. Costs for purchasing additional feed have risen significantly: for example, Zina, the owner of a small farm in Lledwrog (Conwy), spends about 50 pounds sterling per day on hay for 100 Icelandic sheep.

The current situation is also complicated by the risk of wildfires, which are destroying forage crops. Farmer James Bourne from Penyrheol Farm (Abersychan, Torfaen) reported that due to fighting a blaze that covered 700 acres, and the loss of grasses that were not mown in time, the quality of the feed base on his farm and common pastures has critically declined. Experts fear that the feed shortage will lead to an increase in demand and prices, which will result in serious economic losses for farms in the long term.

In an attempt to cope with expenses, some farmers are deciding to sell part of their livestock. Zina, who produces yarn and rugs from her sheep's wool, has already sold 20 animals, as well as a Jersey cow and her calf. Reducing the herd to a "manageable level" is necessary for her in light of an upcoming throat surgery, which will prevent her from fully caring for the animals and providing them with purchased feed.

Earlier, Zina launched a fundraiser on the GoFundMe platform with the goal of raising 10,000 pounds for animal feed, but she faced a backlash from the public after posting a photo from a café on social media. Some users criticized her, accusing her of misuse of funds and manipulation, while the farmer herself explained her visit to the café as a desire to support local business and take her mind off the news of the need for surgery.