Concerned 'moo-d' as cost rises likely to dominate dairy show
The Bath & West's annual Dairy Show returns today
Last updated 5th Oct 2022
Rising costs are expected to be among the big talking points at the Bath and West's annual Dairy Show today.
The UK's biggest dairy industry event aims to showcase the latest technology and ideas - as well as showing support is available for farmers who often feel isolated and lonely.
Ahead of the gates opening, the chairman of the South West NFU’s regional dairy board says that rocketing inflation that has seen the cost of feed, fertiliser and fuel rise steeply is one of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry - along with the after effects of the hot summer.
Stephen Dark warned it would have an impact on the amount of milk farmers could produce.
“Weather-wise, we have faced a challenging year with one of the hottest and driest summers on record, resulting in restricted grass growth and smaller quantities of conserved forage,” said Mr Dark who farms near Helston in Cornwall.
“Milk production was impacted and remained consistently below the level of previous years. Forecast production is lower too, with some extremely concerned about the quantities of silage already fed to their cattle.”
Most milk-producing countries have suffered from drought, leading to a worldwide drop in production, but Mr Dark said that demand for dairy products remained strong and South West farmers were well-placed to help meet it.
“There’s a level of demand for the milk we produce that we haven’t experienced for a long while. Milk processors are facing the challenge of protecting current supply whilst potentially recruiting additional litres,” he said.
“This current balance of supply and demand gives me confidence for the future of dairy. Thankfully, rising costs were acknowledged throughout the dairy industry and a succession of price increases have helped to ease the volatility faced by most producers.
“These increased returns are essential for the forthcoming supply of milk. We are all facing the prospect of additional environmental demands, ranging from carbon foot-printing to air and water quality regulations.”
Mr Dark said assistance with energy costs beyond the initial six-month period which has been promised so far would be ‘crucial’ for the dairy industry.
He also called for clarity from the Government about the Slurry Infrastructure Grant and requirements for compliance with air quality regulations, an announcement about which still seems to be some way off.
"The future of Environmental Land Management Schemes is currently under review, adding to uncertainty.
“The position of the NFU is unchanged - policy must balance the needs of the environment and the importance of food production.
“National food security has become increasingly important, particularly since Covid and now the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Any policy implemented by Defra needs to be simpler and more rewarding for all participants involved than the version previously trialled.
“I feel proud to be involved in an industry which is producing a healthy, balanced and nutritious food, with care and consideration, working alongside nature and taking a more sustainable approach to farming overall.
“I believe the South West dairy industry is well placed for the future and I would like to reassure all dairy producers that both the regional and national NFU Dairy boards are striving for the best and representing everyone.”