Dairy & Beef News

Dairy producers faced unprecedented volatility in 2022-23, with record high prices across the board, from inputs to milk markets. But they did an excellent job, securing record margins over purchased feed – although the gap between the top and bottom performers widened further, showing the importance of attention to detail, according to the Kingshay Dairy Costings Focus Report for 2023.

With new dairy regulations set to increase fairness and transparency in the supply chain, farmers are being encouraged to review costs and benchmark performance and look for areas to improve for a healthier bottom line.

More farmers are using sexed dairy semen than ever before, according to AHDB’s latest survey that reveals a significant increase in the adoption of the technology in UK cattle breeding, continuing the upwards trend seen over the past decade.

Regulations coming into force later this year will ensure supply contracts in the dairy sector are fair and transparent, with farmers being paid a fair price for their produce, the government has said today (11th July).

AHDB’s Great British Beef Week (GBBW) campaign, which celebrates the quality, taste, and world-leading farming credentials of British beef, has been hailed a resounding success inspiring millions of consumers across a variety of platforms.

A sale of 145 pedigree and pure-bred Hereford cattle at Shrewsbury Auction Centre last Tuesday (27th June) attracted great interest among breeders in England and Wales, with a cow and calf pair from the esteemed Santa Maria herd bringing in the top price at 4,100 guineas.

UK dairy cooperative Arla has warned of further food price increases and a possible risk to food security if labour shortages are not addressed as a matter of urgency by the government, with a recent survey highlighting a serious and imminent risk to milk production.

At the Down to Earth South event last week (21 June), British farmer-owned dairy co-operative First Milk announced a new partnership with dairy manufacturer Yeo Valley, which will see the creation of a new regenerative milk pool in the Southwest of England.

The pedigree herd of Santa Maria Polled Hereford cattle from Llandysul in Ceredigion will be offered for sale at Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Tuesday 27th June, presenting buyers with a unique opportunity to acquire purebred stock with premium genetics.

A vaccine developed by Scottish scientists that is considered one of the most significant advances in global livestock health over the last 25 years has been given renewed recognition as part of this year’s RHASS Presidential Initiative.

As temperatures are set to hit 30ºC over the weekend, NFU Mutual has offered advice on preventing heat stress, as well as piloting a new insurance scheme.

Farmers are invited to fill out a short 10-minute survey relating to bovine TB as part of a new research project led by The Farming Community Network (FCN), which seeks to better understand the impact of this devastating disease on farmers’ lives and wellbeing.