Milk price falls and carbon emissions are big talking points at dairy show
Farmers from across the region are heading to the annual Dairy Show today at the Bath & West showground
Last updated 4th Oct 2023
There's a warning that increasing numbers of West Country farmers are looking to leave the industry - over falling milk prices.
Today's the annual one-day Dairy Show at the Bath & West showground near Shepton Mallet
Ahead of the industry event, the National Farmers' Union say some members have seen the money they're being paid per pint fall by a third in a year.
The one-day annual trade event is a chance for farmers to make their voices heard and also see the latest in technology - and this year's event has a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Speaking on the eve of the show, the NFU’s South West Dairy Board Chair Stephen Dark said while dairy farmers were feeling under pressure due to increasingly low milk prices, he remained hopeful that the situation would improve in the coming year.
Stephen, who farms in Cornwall, said: “The South West Dairy Show is a good opportunity for the dairy sector to showcase the scale and strengths of the industry within the region.
“However, dairy farmers will not be feeling so enthusiastic this year with many receiving downward pressures on their milk price since the start of 2023. Currently, prices have declined by 30-35% for most producers from the high prices of the Summer and Autumn of 2022 and this looks set to continue in the short term at least.
“This is against the backdrop that many face of needing to invest in their infrastructure on the farm. You can't expect family farms to invest if they have no confidence in the milk price.
“Many dairy farmers will be able to ride out the storm, but for the smaller family businesses that typify this region, the next year will be crunch time. Factors like whether they have succession in the business, secure land tenure or new infrastructure requirements could well become the deciding factor alongside milk price.
“The reduction of direct support payments at this time is also unsettling. The delayed roll out of the new Sustainable Farm Incentive has left many still considering their best options, particularly as there are limited options for the intensive dairy sector.
“There are some positives signs though. The last two Global Dairy Trade auctions have shown some increases, and easing milk supply in the US and other continents is creating positive moves on commodity prices globally.
“At home, consumers are also starting to return to more regular buying habits after the depths of the cost-of-living crisis which should translate into improved milk prices at the farmgate.
“And we still have export opportunities we must capitalize on. In emerging markets, there is a wealth of new consumers willing to purchase the high quality and nutritious dairy products that we produce in the South West.”