Clarkson’s Farm star and Lib Dem MP voice concerns over milk price cuts

Kaleb Cooper expressed his concerns via social media, warning that falling milk prices for farmers, combined with record-high costs for hay, silage, and straw, could lead to “no more dairy farmers.”

He added: “Say goodbye to milk. Another thing is that no matter where you go these days, everyone has a pint of milk in the fridge. Most people you ask how much that pint of milk cost them won’t know! It’s something we need all the time.”

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury & Somerton and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs, has tabled a Private Members Bill in Parliament last week urging the government to stand up for and protect UK dairy farmers.

The Bill demands that the secretary of state, in any negotiation relating to an international trade agreement, seeks to ensure that the agreement does not result in any detriment to UK dairy farmers.

The Bill also demands the government makes provision for the labelling of dairy products imported from outside the UK, and provision for fair dealing between dairy farmers, processors and retailers, including in relation to pricing.

In addition, it demands the government provides for certain additional contractual protections for UK dairy farmers.

‘Yet another blow to farmers’

Last month, Sarah Dyke MP wrote to the minister for food security and rural affairs, Dame Angela Eagle MP, setting out her concerns regarding the recent significant drop in milk prices received by farmers and the devastating effect this has on the country’s dairy farming industry.

In her letter to the minister, Ms Dyke explained that House of Commons Library research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats earlier this year, showed that since 2015, the number of dairy farm holdings has fallen by more than 30%, from 12,643 to 8,738. Over the same period, the national dairy herd has declined by almost 90,000.

Ms Dyke said: “The one-sided contracts that allow buyers to cut prices in this way are unacceptable and unsustainable. Slashing the milk price now is yet another blow to farmers already under enormous pressure from high costs, market volatility and uncertainty around future support.

“A major dairy farmer in my constituency has commented that recent trade deals for UK and EU mean that we are being flooded with US butter and New Zealand butter and cheddar. At least if packs are correctly labelled, consumers can choose whether to support hard-working local farming families or not.

“They’ve also noted that these trade deals don’t require overseas suppliers to conform to any of the environmental, welfare or social standards that are imposed on UK farms and dairy businesses.”

Ms Dyke added that dairy farming is a backbone of the UK’s domestic food production, and it is imperative that the government supports, stands up for and protects this vital industry, which is currently facing multiple challenges.

“I’m calling on the government to make these essential provisions to safeguard our farming industry and protect our hard-working farmers,” she concluded.

READ MORE: Questions raised over new dairy regulations as farmers face milk price cuts

Milk price reductions

Dairy farmers supplying Müller who meet the conditions for Müller Advantage will receive a milk price of 40ppl from 1st December 2025, which marks a reduction of 1.5ppl, the company confirmed.

Richard Collins, agriculture director at Müller Milk & Ingredients, said: “We’re seeing continued pressure in dairy markets, with market price reductions and daily collection volumes significantly higher than the same period last year.

“Our approach is to pay a competitive and stable milk price, and as always, we will continue to keep a close eye on supply and demand.”

He added that Müller Advantage is a comprehensive programme which Müller farmers participate in to improve supply chain collaboration, herd health and reductions in environmental impact.

Arla confirmed that its conventional milk price decreased by 2.63ppl from 1st November 2025.  The Arla Headline price for conventional milk will be 42.71ppl.  

Freshways announced the drop of 6ppl, followed by Payne’s Dairies at 4ppl, according to AHDB. The companies were approached for a comment.

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