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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.