In the fields of Eves Hill Farm in Norfolk, Jeremy Buxton whistles to his cattle. They come at his call, calm, well-fed, and ready to graze in a freshly opened paddock.

It's all part of a carefully managed system called rotational grazing. The cows graze intensively for a few hours in a section of pasture before being moved on, giving the farmland long periods of rest.

"It's a tough year," he says. "We've been hit by heatwaves and drought, so we haven't had the regrowth when the cattle have grazed."

Pointing to the grass at his feet, Buxton says, "I would expect this, after three to four months of rest, to be up to my waist or even up to my shoulders. But as you can see, we are seeing bare ground, dry, very brittle plants."

Across the UK, 2025 has brought fresh challenges for farmers. After the wettest winter in 250 years, June saw record-breaking temperatures and unusually low rainfall.

A recent report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit found that 87 percent of British farmers say extreme weather has cut their productivity, and more than 80 percent worry about how climate change will affect their future.

Buxton's approach to farming is grounded in regenerative principles, with practices prioritizing soil health, biodiversity and natural systems. With Britain's changing climate, it's becoming increasingly clear why those methods matter.

The farm's herd of 100 percent grass-fed Hereford and Angus cattle graze on herbal leys – a rich mix of 20 plant species, including deep-rooting chicory. The variety of plants bring different nutrients from the soil, passing benefits to the cattle.

"The cattle eat those plants, and that's the nutrient transfer: from soil to plant to animal, and then to us," Buxton says.

Water scarcity

The soils rely on water to maintain their health, and water scarcity in a changing climate is one of the biggest challenges for farmers. Buxton says using regenerative techniques can improve the health of the soil and prevent water runoff.

"Many farm soils are so compacted that we are seeing that rain disappear down the road, into water courses, and we need it to penetrate deep into the soil profile," he says.

"To do this we need healthy well-structured soils, and that is the challenge, regenerating soil health so when it does rain we can harness it, and use it when we need it."

The Eves Hill Farm Shop sells produce directly to the local community. It is stocked with local meats, cheeses and fermented products.

"We want to feed our local community and give them access to really nutrient-dense food," Buxton says.

By cutting out long supply chains, the farm reduces food miles and helps lower its carbon footprint.

"Rather than producing food that is shipped off many miles away to feed other people in other communities, even other countries, we want to feed our local community," he says.

For other British farms, Buxton knows changing to these techniques may not be easy, and acknowledges the barriers many farmers face.

"The biggest obstacles are mindset, a willingness to change the way you farm, and the fact that every farm has its own context," he says.

"There are financial and geographical constraints, all sorts of things that make it difficult. But the change has to come."

As climate extremes threaten food security in the UK, diversifying farming practices could provide essential tools for protecting the land and ensuring long-term productivity.