Devon County Council has agreed to reinstate its Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, providing dedicated support for farmers facing the ongoing impacts of the 2026 bluetongue outbreak.
The council’s Cabinet has approved plans for a new three-year programme, with up to £180,000 of funding, to help farming families access practical advice, wellbeing support and early intervention services as they continue to deal with the financial, emotional and animal welfare consequences of the disease.
The decision follows growing concern about the impact of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) on Devon’s farming community.
Since cases were first identified in the county earlier this year, farmers have reported livestock losses, rising veterinary costs, increased workloads and uncertainty over the longer-term effects on breeding and productivity.
The renewed programme will be delivered by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and builds on a successful scheme that ran between 2022 and 2025.
Working with organisations including the Farming Community Network, RABI, Devon and Cornwall Police, the Fire Service, Samaritans and other support agencies, the programme will help connect farmers with advice, funding opportunities and wellbeing services.
The move follows a recommendation from the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee, which unanimously backed the reinstatement of the programme.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, and farmer, said:
“Bluetongue has had a devastating impact on many farming families across Devon. Farmers have been dealing not only with the heartbreak of losing livestock, but also with the financial pressures, uncertainty and sheer exhaustion that come with managing a disease outbreak of this scale.
“Our farming community has shown incredible resilience, but it is clear that many people need support. By reinstating the Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, we’re making sure farmers can access practical help, trusted advice and services that can make a real difference. This investment recognises the vital role farmers play in Devon’s economy, environment and communities.”
The Council has repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of bluetongue on the county’s farming sector.
Earlier this month, Devon County Council published a report highlighting how prolonged treatment requirements, loss of livestock, increased disposal costs and concerns over future fertility rates are placing significant pressure on farm businesses.
Stephen Dennis, Regional Manager for the Farming Community Network, and farmer, said:
“Bluetongue has been a dramatic disease for many farmers. Caring for affected animals takes a huge amount of time and many farmers have been left completely exhausted.
“This has come on top of a dry summer, a shortage of forage and wider financial pressures.
“The longer-term effects are also deeply concerning. The disease can affect the fertility of rams and bulls, while poor condition among female animals could lead to fewer lambs and calves.
“That could have a serious effect on farm incomes next year and beyond.”
Chris Rice, Team Manager at Heart of the South West Trading Standards, and farmer, said:
“Our officers have spent a great deal of time out on farms during this outbreak and we’ve seen first-hand the pressures people are under. We know that trusted, early support can make a real difference.
“The previous Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme helped us build strong relationships across the farming community and connected people with organisations that could provide practical and emotional support.
“Reinstating the programme will allow us to continue that work at a time when it is needed more than ever.”
The new programme will begin in 2027 and will include clear measures to assess its impact on farmer wellbeing, access to support, animal welfare and business resilience. The Council will continue working with Government, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, farming organisations and health partners to support Devon’s rural communities and strengthen the long-term response to bluetongue.
Farmers seeking immediate support can continue to access advice through Trading Standards and a range of specialist rural support organisations operating across Devon.