Europe’s record-breaking summer heat has damaged pastures, increased livestock feeding costs and raised concerns about milk production across major dairy regions. Farmers in Ireland, France and the United Kingdom are reporting reduced grass availability, weaker animal productivity and growing pressure on winter feed reserves.
Drought leaves Irish dairy farms struggling
In Kilkenny, Irish dairy farmer Denis Drennan said the intense heat severely damaged his grazing fields. Although rainfall has returned, the land is expected to take considerable time to recover.
With grass growth significantly reduced, Drennan has started using fodder months earlier than usual. His daily feed cost has risen to approximately €5.80 per cow, more than twice the normal level.
The higher expense is creating a three-way challenge for farmers. They are paying more for feed, producing less milk from heat-stressed cows and using winter fodder stocks before the colder months begin. This could leave farms exposed if grass recovery remains slow or additional feed becomes difficult to source.
Ireland experienced its driest July on record, while the United Kingdom recorded its hottest summer. France also faced one of its longest and most intense heatwaves. Across France, Germany, Spain and Ireland, grass growth slowed sharply, disrupting the normal summer grazing cycle.
Corn and soybean supplies tighten
The decline in grass and forage availability is increasing demand for purchased feed. Corn prices in Paris have reached a three-year high, supported by concerns over a weak European harvest and uncertainty surrounding Black Sea grain supplies.
The European Commission expects green corn yields to be around 12% below the five-year average. Soybean yields are also projected to decline by approximately 14%, adding further pressure to feed markets.
The European feed industry estimates that the region may require an additional 7 million tonnes of corn imports to meet demand this year. Lower forage production could also increase the European Union’s expenditure on soy-based feed ingredients by more than €1 billion in 2027.
The supply shortage extends beyond corn and soybeans. Heat damage has also affected alfalfa and sugar beet production, reducing the availability of by-products commonly used in animal feed. With fewer processing residues available, livestock farmers may have to compete for a smaller pool of feed ingredients.
Milk production comes under pressure
The feed shortage is already affecting milk output. In France, grass growth has reportedly fallen by around 50%, while some dairy farms have experienced production declines of approximately 30%.
Heat stress can reduce feed intake, fertility and milk yields. When suitable forage is unavailable, farmers must either purchase expensive supplementary feed or reduce herd sizes to protect remaining fodder supplies.
Some farmers are already making difficult decisions ahead of winter. In Dorset, England, reports indicate that certain producers have begun culling cows because they are uncertain whether sufficient feed will be available in the coming months.
These decisions could contribute to tighter milk supplies across Europe. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s global dairy price index increased by 2.3% in August, following four consecutive months of decline.
Black Sea risks add to market uncertainty
Europe’s rising import requirements are emerging at a difficult time. Disruptions to the Black Sea grain export corridor, amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, threaten the availability of Ukrainian grain and add pressure to an already limited European harvest.
The combination of lower domestic production, higher import demand and uncertain grain flows has contributed to the rise in Paris corn prices. If imports are delayed or restricted, feed costs could remain elevated for longer.
Farmers in Ireland have traditionally relied on hay and alfalfa imports from countries such as France when domestic supplies were limited. However, with shortages affecting several European regions simultaneously, that option is becoming less reliable.
Possible impact on dairy and meat prices
Feed is one of the largest operating costs in dairy and livestock production. Higher corn and soybean prices, combined with reduced forage availability, could increase the cost of producing milk and meat.
If farmers reduce herd numbers because of feed shortages, European milk and meat supplies may tighten further. This could support commodity prices but may also increase costs for processors, retailers and consumers.
The situation will depend on several factors over the coming months:
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The speed of pasture recovery during autumn
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European forage and grain harvest results
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Global corn and soybean availability
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The number of farmers reducing herd sizes
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Changes in consumer demand for dairy and meat products
Europe’s heatwave has therefore created more than a temporary farming challenge. It has exposed the vulnerability of regional feed systems and could influence dairy production, commodity prices and grocery costs well into the next year.
