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Newsletter
December 16, 2025
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UK - GB milk continues to flow unabated in November
GB milk deliveries in November are estimated to have totalled 1,071 million litres, up 5.2% compared with the same period in 2024. Daily deliveries averaged at 35.71 million litres. We are now also annualising against a period of growth in November 2024. GB milk production is 9.8%, or 95 million litres above November 2023.
Production for this year's milk season so far (April-November) sits at 8,731 million litres, up 5.5% compared to the same period in 2024.
Milk supplies have remained strong driven by the high milk to feed price ratio.
December milk price announcements continue to trend down for most contracts, although the effects differ depending on the type of contract farmers are on. Commodity prices have continued to fall sharply, with a high build up of stocks and not enough demand to deal with these volumes. Further price falls are predicted as processing capacity as well as demand is unable to cope with this oversupply in both the global and domestic markets.
AHDB's December reforecast predicted GB milk production for the 2025/26 season was forecast to record a new high of 13.05bn litres, 4.9% more than the previous milk year, before beginning to contract in 2026/27. After the flush we should see market signals to begin to be registered in the production numbers and should start to see some year-on-year decline, but it is important to note we will still be annualising versus a very high base and there is likely to still be too much milk for demand well into 2026.
Read AHDB's November 2025 dairy market review
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UK - GB producer numbers: good economics until now slowed declines
In AHDB's latest survey of major milk buyers, it is estimated that there were 7,010 dairy producers in GB as of October 2025.
There was a marginal loss of 30 producer numbers between April-25 and Oct-25. However, year-on-year, there was an estimated decline of 190 dairy producers (-2.6%) indicating that most of the industry exits took place last winter. Firm milk prices and good profitability during the summer months may have reduced the flow of producers exiting the industry temporarily.
The latest BCMS figures record the GB milking herd at 1.60 million head, as of the 1 July 2025, which is down 0.6% on the previous year,
Average milk volume per farm in GB has now increased to an estimated 1.82 million litres (+6.6%) for the year from October 2024 to October 2025, denoting the continued trend towards consolidation with fewer but larger farms.
The dairy market is likely to see further price falls due to oversupply in both the domestic and global markets which will be felt in farmgate milk prices in the months ahead. Many processors have already announced substantial price reductions in the November to January period. With growing input costs including labour and forage and an increasing environmental regulatory burden it would be surprising if we did not see further exits in the next six months.
Historic data can be found on AHDB's producer numbers page.
Read more about this analysis and why AHDB carries the survey.
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UK - How you can help bring new talent into dairy farming
Publisher British Dairying will be organising an event at the House of Commons early next year, to discuss opportunities for future dairy leaders.
Although we are confident of a very positive future for the dairy Industry, it is clear some dairy farmers are considering either giving up milking or even selling the farm. There are a variety of reasons of which you are no doubt painfully aware.
There are also many young people from farming and non-farming backgrounds keen to get involved in what is a vital industry with plenty of opportunity for young people to develop dairy businesses and careers.
British Dairying is in a unique position to help draw these two groups together to the benefit of the industry.
To kick off the initiative we are holding a meeting on the 25th of February 2026 at the House of Commons hosted by Robbie Moore MP and Shadow Minister of Farming, to discuss the opportunity to match young aspiring and would-be dairy farmers with those dairy farmers who are seriously considering their future in the industry.
This is your unique opportunity to confidently discuss options and opportunities with acknowledged experts.
If you would like to know more, please either email info@britishdairying.co.uk or call 07786 993789 for more information. Thank you
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UK - What is the impact of Bluetongue (BTV-3) in the UK in 2025?
Have your say in the industry-led survey
The Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group want to hear from farmers to understand how BTV-3 has impacted their herds, whether they have had confirmation of bluetongue in their livestock or not, via an industry led, anonymous survey.
Farmers are at the coal face of seeing any health impacts to their stock, making decisions on vaccination, dealing with any trade restrictions, so real-world farmer feedback is vital.
The anonymous data, once analysed, will help the industry understand the real impact of the disease beyond just the confirmed cases and ensure there is support for farmers.
The survey is anonymous but if farmers choose to provide a contact email, they'll receive a summary of the survey results and may be contacted for follow-up surveys.
Click this link NOW What is the impact of Bluetongue (BTV3) in the UK in 2025? - an industry-led survey
(Before end December 2025).
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UK - Farming unions call for responsible conduct across the dairy supply chain
Following a meeting of the four UK?farming unions, a joint open letter has been written to milk processors urging responsible behaviour during what is expected to be a particularly testing period for the dairy sector.
In the letter, the chairs of each of the union's dairy boards highlight the need for transparency and good communication between farmers and processors during these challenging times.
Milk buyers are reminded of the importance of complying with the fair dealing legislation and maintaining open channels of communication and transparency with their suppliers. The farming unions also encourage dairy farmers to engage proactively with their milk buyers, ensuring that the milk produced meets market needs.
Fairness and transparency
NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair Jonathan Wilkinson said: "With many dairy farmers facing a difficult winter, it is of the upmost importance that the dairy supply chain functions in a fair and transparent way. That's why we were pleased to host an important discussion in Wales to ensure the collective concerns of our members from across the UK are represented."
NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins stated: "This is the first real test of the new contract regulations; the first time the sector has had an Adjudicator overseeing compliance with the regulations. Farmers are also now empowered to request an explanation for how their milk price is calculated to ensure that any changes are in accordance with their contract. It is essential we see dairy farmers engaging with their buyers and the new regulations during this challenging period."
Whilst Ulster Farmers' Union Dairy Chairman Cyril Orr said: "As dairy farmers, we are entering a challenging period marked by significant market uncertainty and pressure on farm gate prices. It is more vital than ever that farmers can place trust in their processors. We need to see greater openness, transparency and genuine collaboration within milk pools. This is essential to ensure a sustainable future for dairy farmers."
NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chair Bruce Mackie added: "For the vast majority of Scottish dairy farmers, milk prices are now tumbling at an alarming rate while production costs rise. The industry faces a very difficult few months ahead and it is imperative that there is transparency, fair play and communication between milk buyers and individual suppliers to help ensure both parties have the necessary resilience to survive this downturn."
Read more: UK farming unions call for responsible conduct across the dairy supply chain - NFU Cymru
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UK - Chance to win £100 by sharing your views
To take part visit bit.ly/BDTTsilage
Kingshay would like to invite all farmers to take part in the next British Dairying/Kingshay Tried and Tested survey:
Silage additives for grass silage.
Do you use a silage additive on your grass silage?
If so, we want to hear from you.
Your insights will contribute to a review that helps farmers across the industry make informed choices, explains Sarah Bolt, Kingshay's Technical Knowledge Exchange Manager.
"By sharing your experiences, you'll help build a vital, independent resource for the whole dairy community, providing honest, evidence-based detail, grounded in everyday farming reality."
To take part visit bit.ly/BDTTsilage
Everyone completing a survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher and can receive a copy of the full report, normally reserved for Kingshay members.
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UK - DIARY DATE - Early bird tickets now on sale for Dairy-Tech 2026
Early bird tickets are now on sale for Dairy-Tech 2026, the flagship event for British dairy farmers. Organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and supported by Principal Sponsor Barclays, the show returns to Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 4 February with cutting-edge dairy science, technology, and practical insights.
Next year's event is extra special, marking 150 years of the RABDF and celebrating the very first dairy show held in 1876. Dairy-Tech 2026 will showcase this milestone in style, reflecting the association's long-standing commitment to supporting British dairy farmers.
With a packed timetable of interactive talks, live demonstrations, and expert-led discussions, the RABDF event promises practical insights and the very latest in dairy innovation. Pre-booked tickets are £20, with on-the-day tickets priced at £25.
RABDF Chair and Cumbrian dairy farmer Robert Craig said: "Our industry faces real challenges, but also exciting opportunities. Dairy-Tech is designed to give farmers practical solutions they can take home and use straight away, whether it's managing costs, improving herd health, or exploring the latest technology.
"Next year's Dairy-Tech is extra special as we celebrate 150 years of the RABDF and look back to the very first dairy show in 1876. It's a proud milestone that highlights the association's long history of supporting British dairy farmers and demonstrates the resilience and innovation that continues to define our sector today."
What's on: Visitors can explore almost 300 exhibitors across three exhibition halls and enjoy a full day of learning and inspiration, including practical demonstration areas and informative talks.
Top of many dairy producers' minds will be milk price cuts and what to expect in 2026. Several sessions on the Dairy Hub, sponsored by Kite - part of the Asterra Group, will provide insights into milk markets, along with practical advice on how to manage any reductions.
There will also be plenty of opportunities for visitors to put forward questions to industry experts, including the first-ever Farmers Weekly Question Time, hosted at the RABDF event.
Social media influencers Rebecca Wilson and Charlotte Ashley from the Wilson and Ashley podcast will lead a session on the Innovation Hub, sponsored by Lely, showcasing some of the latest dairy innovations hitting the UK market. Plus, the Healthy Feet Demonstration Area will return, offering practical, hands-on advice for managing lameness and improving herd welfare.
Wednesday 4 February 2026. Location: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Book your ticket now: www.Dairy-Tech.uk
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UK - QMS delivers wide-ranging community and education outreach to 1,900 people this term
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has delivered another impactful term of nationwide community and education activity between October and December, engaging more than 1,900 children, young people and adults in a diverse programme of events focused on food, farming and the role of high-quality Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.
From nurseries and primary schools to careers events, women's groups and rural conferences, the QMS team travelled across Scotland to inspire confidence in cooking, support learning, and highlight the value of Scotland's quality assurance standards.
Feedback from pupils and teachers has been extremely positive. Queensferry High School described their session as "highly interactive, educational and enjoyable from start to finish." Pupils at Botriphnie Primary said: "Those of us who were not keen on lamb are now going to be cooking with it at home!"
Beyond schools, QMS continued to support community groups and rural networks. At the Women in Agriculture Conference in Culross, Scotch Ambassador Daniela Forbes delivered a Scotch Lamb cookery demonstration to 70 women, with many leaving inspired to try cooking with lamb at home. QMS also participated in Boroughmuir Rugby Club's Eat to Compete event in Edinburgh, where 20 women and girls learned how nutrition supports performance, recovery and overall wellbeing. One participant commented: "Really made me think about my nutrition!"
The term also included activity at the Scottish Association of Young Farmer Clubs (SAYFC) Agri & Rural Affairs Conference in Ayr, engaging 50 young farmers and industry partners, and a red meat careers session with Midlothian Council's Parental Employability Group in Dalkeith, supporting eight parents exploring sector opportunities.
QMS will continue its outreach programme into 2026, developing resources and strengthening connections with communities across Scotland.
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UK - How to select the right rumen-protected fat supplement to optimise your milk contract
Rumen-protected fat supplements allow producers to target specific areas of cow performance at different stages of the lactation cycle while filling necessary energy demands.
Environmental variables, global trade volatility and changing consumer preferences have made forecasting future dairy production a fast-moving target. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, rumen-protected fat supplements, which have long been included in lactation rations as an energy source, are a valuable tool when fed strategically for dairy producers needing to remain agile to hit individual milk contract premiums.
"This all comes down to the fatty acid composition and the effect an individual fatty acid has on a specific area of cow performance based on where she is in the lactation cycle," Dr Kirkland explains. "Unlike other feed ingredients, rumen-protected fat supplements are not a one-and-done nutrient - they are multi-purpose and can realise a significant return on investment."
C16:0 vs C18:1 fatty acids
While there are five main fatty acids commonly found in ruminant diets, C16:0 (palmitic acid) and C18:1 (oleic acid) typically have the highest inclusion rate in rumen-protected fat supplements, with varying ratios of each one to target specific effects in the dairy cow.
C16:0 induces insulin resistance to increase the partitioning of nutrients to milk, which in turn improves milk and milk fat production, says Dr Kirkland. This makes it ideal for mid to late lactation. In contrast, C18:1 increases insulin, which increases the partitioning of nutrients to improve body condition. C18:1 also improves the digestibility of total diet fat, which increases energy supply and feed efficiency. This fatty acid has also been proven to boost fertility by promoting egg and embryo development, making it beneficial in early lactation, says Dr Kirkland.
Optimising for liquid-based contracts
While C16:0 is the fatty acid that most efficiently drives nutrients towards milk fat production, producers on liquid-based contracts should target products with a higher inclusion rate of C18:1, such as Megalac, throughout the lactation period.
"Early lactation is particularly critical, as cows are at peak energy demand, and maintaining a high-energy, rumen-friendly diet will support milk volume and minimise the cow milking off her back," explains Dr Kirkland.
When energy demands are not fulfilled, cows fall into a negative energy balance to meet the high energy demands of milk production, which has a knock-on effect on fertility. Research from the University of Nottingham indicates that for each 0.5-unit loss in condition during this period, conception rates can fall by around 10%.
"Feeding rumen-protected fats with C18:1 is essential to optimise milk volume while maintaining herd fertility," says Dr Kirkland.
Optimising for solid-based contracts
Ultimately, solid-based contracts will benefit from yield, but need to do so in a way that doesn't jeopardise quality premiums, says Dr Kirkland. Likewise, hitting solid-based premiums needs to be done without compromising cow health and fertility.
"In general, it is most appropriate to supplement with a higher-C18:1 product in the first 120-days of lactation to promote cow fertility, body condition and milk supply," explains Dr Kirkland. "Once cows pass peak lactation or are back in calf, introducing a high-C16 product like Mega-Fat 88 drives higher milk fat and overall solids, optimising contract returns safely.
For producers seeking a balanced approach that maintains both volume and solids, a mixed product like Mega-Fat 70 can be offered throughout lactation.
Available tools to help optimise milk contracts for individual herds
Ultimately, regardless of whether a farm is on a liquid or solid-based contract, they will likely benefit from having increased milk volume, says Dr Kirkland. And they will definitely benefit from their feeding strategy, promoting energy supply through early lactation.
To help individual dairy farmers determine how much fat they should be feeding and the most appropriate rumen-protected fat supplement to meet their milk production goals, VWFI has two calculator tools available. The Fat Calculator assesses whether a ration has a fat surplus or a fat shortage to meet the determined fat requirements of the herd for optimal milk production.
The more comprehensive Fat Supplements Return On Investment Calculator 2.0 allows producers to enter detailed data points about their ration and milk production to find which type of rumen-protected fat will give them the biggest return on investment for their milk contract.
"Rumen-protected fat supplements are more than just an energy source - they are a targeted tool that allows producers to fine-tune milk composition and cow performance," explains Dr Kirkland. "By matching the right fatty acids to the stage of lactation and contract type, farms can optimise herd health and individual milk contracts to receive a higher return on investment for every litre of milk produced."
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UK - What's happening to dairy in wholesale and retail markets?
With UK and international milk supplies elevated, commodity prices have seen significant drops in value since September.
Wholesale butter prices are currently 35% lower in November 2025 than the previous year and mild cheddar prices dropped 29% year-on-year (AHDB).
At retail level, shoppers have been challenged by the cost-of-living crisis and have been cutting back on dairy, with total volumes down 1.2% year on year.
This is driven primarily by cows' milk volumes, which declined 2.6%, while butter volumes fell 2.2% (NIQ Homescan POD, 52 w/e 1 November 2025).
However, we are seeing areas of cows' dairy in growth including cheese up 1.7%, yogurt (including yogurt drinks and fromage frais) up 6.4% and cream up 2.2% despite increasing prices in these categories.
Continue reading about dairy wholesale in retail markets and for more detail on dairy retail performance, you can see AHDB's dairy dashboard for all the data and our accompanying market commentary.
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UK - G-Drill hits the spot
HE-VA is to introduce a new disc drill specifically designed as a low cost means of establishing grass, grain and cover crops.
- Offers a low cost means of establishing grass, grain or cover crops
- 400mm Vector discs are flanked by replaceable coulter boots
- Hydraulic weight transfer / down-force kit built-in for greater coulter penetration
Responding to market demand, the company has developed the 3m G-Drill as a straightforward tool capable of rapidly generating a drilling zone, placing seed at a consistent depth and consolidating the seedbed with a weather-proof finish.
Central to this are two rows of 400mm diameter Vector scalloped discs. These are flanked by replaceable coulter boots which run in the shadow of the discs. Running at a 4° angle, this coulter arrangement generates a particularly narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance. The discs' narrow pitch also means wear to is kept to a minimum.
The 3m G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm - ideal for drilling grass seed - or a 24 coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment.
The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement employed on the unit provides ultra-accurate contour following and therefore consistent seed placement. It also means the discs are able to kick out of harm's way when obstacles such as stones are encountered as is often the case in old grass leys. While protecting the drill and ensuring precision depth control, the vibrating action of this set-up also ensures the creation of a tilth-rich, smear-free slot for the seed.
Crucial to providing consistent depth control as well as generating surface consolidation and suitable seed-to-soil contact, the G-Drill is equipped with a 450/500mm diameter Star Ring roller of the type found across HE-VA's grassland machinery range. See us at the LAMMA show in January for full details.
There will be a 3m G-Drill at LAMMA on the OPICO stand in Hall 6, stand 440. 14-15 January, NEC Birmingham.
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UK - Cheese Awards open for entry soon
The 30th edition of the British & Irish Cheese Awards will open for entry on Monday 12 January, with organisers, The Royal Bath & West Society, inviting cheesemakers across the UK and Ireland to submit their products for consideration by Tuesday 17 February.
All entries will be judged at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Friday 20 March, when the British Isles' largest cheese awards scheme will bring together cheesemongers, cheesemakers, affineurs, farmers, retailers and commentators to find the best cheeses of 2026.
The British & Irish Cheese Awards will once again be hosted by the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, which will open to the public on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March. Returning to The Bath & West Showground for the third time, the festival will champion local producers with a food market, kitchen stage, dedicated cheese area, kids zone and much more.
The event will open exclusively to trade visitors on Friday 20 March, from midday until 3pm, giving cheesemakers and mongers the opportunity to showcase their products to buyers and the wider cheese community, with trade stands situated alongside the British & Irish Cheese Awards exhibits.
Julius Longman, Chairman of the British & Irish Cheese Awards, commented: "We're incredibly excited to be staging the 30th anniversary edition of the British & Irish Cheese Awards in 2026, providing a wonderful platform to celebrate the very best in cheesemaking across the UK and Ireland. Having settled into our new home at the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, the competition has been steadily growing in size and stature, so we hope to see more entries than ever before at next year's event."
www.britishcheeseawards.com
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UK - Millbrook Dairy introduces premium Welsh-made Shirgar Cheese Sticks
Millbrook Dairy has announced the introduction of its new, versatile, Shirgar Cheese Sticks range. The three high-quality, Welsh-made snacking cheeses have been specially developed for foodservice, leisure & travel, export and wider dairy markets.
Exclusively marketed across England and Scotland, the range features three delicious variants - namely, Shirgar Mature Cheddar, Shirgar Mild Cheddar and Shirgar Red Leicester.
Produced in Wales using the finest Welsh milk, the sticks deliver a creamy flavour, excellent body and smooth texture, line with the qualities for which Shirgar is renowned. Each individually wrapped 20g stick contains 5g of natural protein, making them ideal for portion-controlled, high-value dairy snacking.
The products have a 90-day shelf life and come in practical boxes of 50, suited to large-volume users and export customers. Kevin Beer, Co-Founder and Director at Millbrook Dairy, commented: "We've seen growing demand for premium, portion-controlled dairy, and this range hits the mark giving exceptional eating quality, strong nutrition, long shelf life and broad versatility across markets, both at home and overseas."
Perfect for airlines, cruise ships, contract catering, education settings and international distributors, the new range adds a fresh opportunity for dairy buyers seeking high-quality British cheese in a convenient, consistent format.
For more information, check out www.millbrookdairy.com.
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QUOTE
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Buddy - Elf
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HAPPY CHRISTAMS TO ALL OUR READERS. See you in 2026.
Our next newsletter will be out on the 6th of January.
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