Rhug Estate reports tough farming season as summer drought hits grazing and water supplies

Rhug Estate is preparing for winter feed pressures after a prolonged summer drought strained grazing and water supplies across the 12,500-acre organic farm near Corwen, on the Shropshire and North Wales border.

Rivers ran low, springs and boreholes came under pressure, and shepherds spent much of the summer searching the hills for suitable grazing and water for sheep. Estate owner Lord Newborough said the conditions showed the challenges facing farmers across the region, particularly those managing livestock on extensive upland holdings.

“Everyone enjoys the sunshine, myself included, but when you’re farming on this scale, a long, dry summer brings enormous challenges,” he said. “Our springs and boreholes were under pressure, rivers were incredibly low and our shepherds spent much of the summer travelling across the hills looking for suitable grazing and water for the sheep. “There was also the constant threat of fire on the dry hillsides, while wildlife suffered too, particularly birds on the Berwyn, where a lack of water affected their development. “It was a difficult period and we’re now looking ahead to winter and making sure we have sufficient feed for the livestock.”

Mixed effects on energy and business

Low water levels almost halted the estate’s hydroelectric production. Solar generation benefited from the extended sunshine, while wind energy remained relatively steady.

Other parts of the business performed strongly. Rhug’s award-winning farm shop had a busy summer, with visitors travelling between the Midlands, Shropshire and the North Wales coast. Demand for its electric vehicle charging facilities reached record levels, and its luxury skincare brand, Rhug Wild Beauty, continued to attract national and international attention.

The brand featured on ITV’s Inside The Langham, highlighting its relationship with the London hotel’s Chuan Body and Spa. Rhug also reached new audiences through appearances at events including Burghley Horse Trials and exposure through farmer and television personality Gareth Wyn Jones. Lord Newborough travelled to London to meet leading chefs and explore further opportunities to supply the capital’s restaurants with organic meat produced on the estate.

“While the weather made life difficult on the farming side, we’ve seen tremendous support for our other businesses,” he said. “The farm shop has been exceptionally busy, our EV chargers have never been more popular and Rhug Wild Beauty continues to attract attention from further afield.”

Investment in farming operations

Rhug is strengthening its shepherding team as it invests in agricultural operations, while also exploring new markets for its organic produce and skincare range.

Lord Newborough said: “Farming has always been about hard work, resilience and sometimes a little luck, but most importantly it’s about people. “We have a fantastic team here and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has visited, supported our businesses or followed our journey.”