We're asking our members how much water they use, what they do to conserve it and how they think climate change will affect resources.
The NFU Waterwise Survey takes place every five years and is particularly apt this time around following three dry winters and this spring, the driest on record.
The better the data we get, the stronger our lobbying arguments and advice.
It is hoped that survey results can be used to highlight what is being done by British farmers to keep rivers and streams flowing, to show how much water they use and expose any hopes or fears they have towards future water security.
Take the survey online here.
NFU water policy adviser Jenny Bashford said: “With the recent dry spell and drought orders in parts of the country, taking part in the NFU water survey is more important than ever.
“We want to know how much water you use, where it comes from, how you get it, what you do with it and if you’ve got enough. We want to know how your water habits have changed since our last survey, what your plans are for the future and about any concerns you have or barriers that are hindering your water use.”
Although the survey is aimed primarily at the NFU’s 55,000 members, we encourage the wider industry to take part.
All completed online questionnaires will be entered into a draw, and three lucky participants will win luxury hotel stays.
* You can download a paper copy of the survey here.
- Farmer Andy - 09/09/2011
In Dorset I make virtually no concious attempt to use less water for my dairy farming. I have two wells with effectively infinite suppy which would otherwise go straight into the sea. So fortunately we are as near as 100% sustainable. I am concious of the electricity used to pump this "infinite" supply from one well at no depth to one at 30mm.
In NZ we use more than a ton/second on irrigation; this is supplied by the southern alps annual winter snow falls conveniently melting and arriving on our farms when needed in the following summer. This water 'd also end up in the sea if not temporarily intercepted 'n utilized by us.And having re-arranged our farms from border-dyke to pivot irrigation this water is used much more efficiently 'n environmentally safely.
In the UK the priority should be for more wells to be bored. It is important that the folly of digging small holes concreted or other lined and then collecting grubby 'n later festering roof water to be pumped by electric motor to be used on farm.
- Marilyn Ivings - 07/09/2011
We want to use our stream and sluice to make small hydro electricity but there are no grants available and I think there should be.