CLA Cymru Announces First Wales Wye Water Summit
CLA Cymru is organising The Wye Water Summit on 1 October 2026 on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, the very first to take place in Wales. Following a summer of drought, this forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss the consequences of the recent prolonged hot weather and how to build resilience for the future.
Over the summer, farmers have been on the front line during this extreme hot weather and, on 30 July, Natural Resources Wales declared that the “whole of Wales” was in “drought”. Crops struggled to grow, undermining farmers’ earnings, and many farms, which rely on tank or spring water, ran dry, threatening livestock health.
The River Wye has also felt the impact of the dry weather. Water temperatures have reached 26°C and levels in parts of the river are 59% below typical summer levels. Low flows and high temperatures disrupt oxygen and nutrient levels, disrupting the health of the river. As the climate continues to change, such conditions will become increasingly common in years to come.
This upcoming summit offers much-needed space for all associated stakeholders, including farmers, industry experts and policymakers, to explore how farming and water quality interact. The agenda will feature panel discussions on the pressures facing rivers, including drought. The focus is on practical, data-driven steps farmers can take to improve land and water management, including preparing for future weather events.
Thanks to support from the Welsh Government, via the Wye Nutrient Management Board, attendance at The Wye Water Summit is completely free and the event will run from 9am to 4pm. Lunch will also be provided free of charge and places can be booked online on our website. You will also find a full itinerary for the day.
Places are limited and booking at the earliest opportunity is strongly advised.
