Heat stress in dairy cattle is projected to increase significantly in key dairy regions of the UK, particularly south western England, according to a new study about the impact of climate change by the Met Office.
Research, published in Climate Risk Management, examines the effect of climate change on the dairy and potato farming sectors over the next thirty to fifty years.
The study found that in the future climate of thirty to fifty year’s time, a light blight – a disease affecting potato crops which occurs in warm, humid weather – is likely to occur more more often across the UK.
Dr Freya Garry, the author of the study said: “Projections show potential for major climate change impacts on UK farming. Our study found that future dairy cattle in parts of the South East may be exposed to heat stress for an extra two months per year. At the moment, cattle in the South East experience around a week per year of these stressful conditions.”
The study is based on a climate projection known as RCP 8.5: a high emissions future.
“Given the potentially serious consequences for UK farming, we felt it was appropriate to work with a high impact scenario. Even under lower emission pathways, we know that our climate will continue to change so even if the impacts are smaller than identified in this study, our study provides useful information for adaption planning,” Dr Garry concluded.
Both food for cattle, crops for humans, and potato growing will all be threatened by increased drought in the future.
LSL News.