Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

2026 Drought Forces Early Wheat Harvest, Cuts Yields, Stresses Farmers

7/31/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 drought forced Tom Everall of Myddle, Shropshire, to harvest wheat early, reducing yields and grain quality.
He reports that diesel and fertiliser costs and milk payments dropping from 45 to 31 pence per litre are straining finances and prompting him to watch his own and peers’ mental health.
He adds that his ‘Tom the Young Farmer’ fame on BBC Radio 1 does not shield him from these pressures.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2026 drought forced Tom Everall of Myddle, Shropshire, to harvest wheat early, reducing yields and grain quality.
He reports that diesel and fertiliser costs and milk payments dropping from 45 to 31 pence per litre are straining finances and prompting him to watch his own and peers’ mental health.
He adds that his ‘Tom the Young Farmer’ fame on BBC Radio 1 does not shield him from these pressures.