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Dairy farmer numbers could halve in 10 years
dairy cows
In December 2014 alone, 60 dairy farmers left the industry.
NFU "completely appalled" by ongoing price cuts

In just 10 years there could be fewer than 5,000 dairy farmers in England and Wales - half the current number - the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned.

As a result of ongoing milk price cuts, some farmers are now receiving just 20 pence per litre (ppl), yet farm costs are 36 per cent higher than they were eight years ago. Furthermore, the cost of animal feed has doubled since 2007.

NFU president Meurig Raymond commented: "This combination has left many producers under extreme financial pressure and fearing for the future of their dairy businesses."

In December 2014 alone, 60 dairy farmers left the industry. Just under 10,000 dairy producers remain, which is half the number there were in 2002. By 2025, NFU predicts the number could halve again if the current situation continues.

Rob Harrison, NFU's dairy board chairman, said: "I, like my colleagues on the NFU dairy board, are completely appalled by the ongoing price cuts crippling our industry and we are working hard to support our members and their businesses in every way we can."

The latest blow to the dairy farming sector came last week when First Milk announced it would delay payments to dairy farmers by two weeks.

NFU has been in urgent talks with the dairy company and has said its time scales are "unacceptable".

Mr Raymond said that while the global downturn in milk prices cannot be reversed, there are steps that can be taken to improve the situation for dairy farmers.

"We will continue our difficult but necessary discussions with all the processors as well as with retailers. What we want is an economically sustainable dairy industry for the future.

"As farmers face volatile markets, I’m also convinced that the government can do more to help by ensuring its policies are sympathetic to the current situation and will help farmers and farming businesses continue forwards."


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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com