Summer 2026 has been one of the driest ever in the UK. In July and August we’ve had just a fraction of the typical rainfall. As a result, many areas are suffering drought. It’s vital to think about this and ways we can protect against it in the future. Interestingly, some grazing strategies can be a massive help. We want to have a look at one in particular here, mob grazing. Then, if you need to order animal feed or other products, you can speak to us.

How does it work?

Mob grazing is a high density strategy. The goal is to get a large number of animals to graze a pasture for a very short period of time. The animals then move on. Afterwards, the field is given a long rest, typically several months.

The idea here is to improve the soil structure and overall quality. Such a large number of animals helps to compact it, driving organic matter and carbon deeper into the soil. The manure from animals helps massively too. Plus, this kind of grazing can ultimately improve the productivity of pastures and boost livestock health (including potentially reducing parasite burden and increasing activity).

It’s also a good idea to consider mob grazing for the financial benefits. It can reduce the need for purchased animal feed. In some cases it means you don’t need to apply as much fertiliser too.

How does it protect against drought?

As we said above, it’s a good idea to think about how to protect against drought in the future. Mob grazing can be surprisingly helpful. The improvement in the soil structure boosts its ability to hold water. As a result, it will take longer to dry out.

Mob grazing is also a way to make plants more resilient. Crucially, it encourages deep rooting. This means the roots can reach moisture and nutrients deeper in the ground. It’s fantastic if you want to protect against drought.

A key thing you should do with mob grazing is leave between 30% and 50% of the pasture ungrazed but trampled. This means being active in keeping animals moving. What this does is create better ground cover. It helps retain moisture and protects against soil erosion.

Talk to us about animal feed

JS Hubbuck Ltd is a family business with a long history in the agriculture industry. As a result, we have a deep pool of knowledge about key topics, including animal health, field health, and various risks like drought and parasites. We’re happy to share info and provide advice.

So, if you need help with things like animal feed and different strategies, speak to us. We’re proud to support farmers all over Northern England, Scotland, and beyond.