As 2025 comes to a close, UK farming looks back on a year shaped less by single headline moments and more by a steady build-up of pressures. For many farms, the focus this year was not on expansion or major change, but on keeping operations running smoothly, managing risk and making practical decisions in an uncertain environment.
From dry weather and disease controls to recruitment challenges and policy changes, 2025 required resilience and adaptability. At the same time, there were quieter positives that made a real difference on the ground.
This review looks at the key issues UK farmers dealt with in 2025, and what many are now taking into 2026.
Weather set the tone early and stayed unpredictable
Weather was one of the most consistent factors affecting farms throughout the year, particularly in England.
Spring 2025 was exceptionally dry. According to the Environment Agency, it was the driest spring since 1893, with early impacts on soil moisture, grass growth and river levels.
Summer continued this pattern, with prolonged dry and sunny conditions reported by the Met Office. By the end of the year, 2025 was reported as the UK’s sunniest year since records began in 1910.
While dry conditions helped early harvest progress for some farms, others experienced pressure on crops, grazing and yields. Later rainfall disrupted harvest windows in parts of the country.
Policy and funding uncertainty shaped confidence and decision making
Government policy remained a major influence on farm planning in 2025.
In March, Defra closed the Sustainable Farming Incentive to new applicants with immediate effect after the available budget was fully allocated.
Changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, due to take effect from April 2026, prompted serious discussions around succession planning, land ownership and long-term investment.
Animal health controls added to operational pressure
Bluetongue restrictions were extended to cover the whole of England from July, changing livestock movement rules and compliance requirements.
In November, a mandatory avian influenza housing order came into force across England, increasing workload and costs for poultry producers.
A practical positive was the change to egg marketing rules, allowing free range eggs to remain labelled as such during housing measures.
Markets stayed tight and margins remained under pressure
Arable farms faced variable yields and subdued commodity prices influenced by global markets and currency movements.
Livestock producers continued to manage high input costs alongside disease and compliance pressures.
Across the sector, efficiency, cost control and cashflow management took priority over expansion.
Recruitment and workforce pressures continued across the sector
Labour shortages remained widespread, particularly for skilled and semi-skilled roles.
The confirmation of 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas provided some certainty, but competition for labour remained intense.
Farms increasingly prioritised attitude and adaptability over perfect experience and focused more on staff retention.
How farms adapted during 2025
Recruitment approaches evolved, with broader roles and increased responsibility given to younger workers.
Technology adoption continued at a practical level to support efficiency and reduce labour pressure.
Diversification through environmental schemes, contracting and non-farming income streams supported resilience.
The positives worth recognising
Egg marketing rule changes reduced disruption during avian influenza housing orders.
Standardised bluetongue restrictions across England improved clarity for livestock movement.
Recruitment and training were taken more seriously, with people increasingly viewed as long-term investments.
What many farms are taking into 2026
As the year draws to a close, several themes are likely to carry forward:
· Earlier recruitment planning
· Greater focus on retention and skills development
· More cautious financial decision making
· Continued attention to weather resilience and water management
· A preference for practical, workable solutions over short-term fixes
2025 reinforced a simple reality. Farming remains exposed to factors outside its control, but businesses that plan ahead, invest in people and stay adaptable are better placed to cope.
Looking ahead
People will remain central to how farms adapt and succeed. Whether it is filling skilled roles, planning ahead for seasonal labour or building stronger long-term teams, recruitment is no longer something to leave to chance.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, our team is ready to support farms across the UK with practical, sector-led recruitment in 2026 and beyond, helping employers find the right people and candidates find roles that genuinely fit.
