|
|  |
|
June 3, 2025
|
|
UK - Farmers connect with innovative New Zealand dairy agri-tech companies
Around 150 British farmers attended a dairy tech day in Shropshire, United Kingdom, hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, showcasing cutting-edge agri-tech from New Zealand.
Held at Sansaw Dairy, an 820-hectare, 1500 cow dairy farm near Shrewsbury, and hosted by Farm Manager Breiffni Daly (Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year 2024) and Managing Director James Thompson, the event featured live demonstrations and exhibits from 11 leading Kiwi agritech companies.
Attendees engaged with on-farm solutions designed to improve farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability - many of which are already transforming dairy operations across New Zealand.
This included products across genetics, calf feeding, animal management solutions, farm equipment, milk monitoring and milking equipment.
Several commercial deals were struck on the day, highlighting the strong appetite for collaboration between the two nations. Paul Webster, New Zealand's Trade Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, said:
"New Zealand farmers have a long history of innovation and efficiency. We see real opportunity to continue to grow our relationships with British farmers to address our shared challenges - whether it's climate change, regulatory complexity, or the need to drive efficiencies. Events like this are about building those partnerships and sharing what works."
This successful dairy tech day reinforced New Zealand's commitment to working alongside UK farmers, offering proven technologies that deliver real-world results. my.nzte.govt.nz
|
|
|
|
|
With 30+ years experience we have studied the behaviour of the cow in the cubicle bed on our own family dairy farm and across hundreds of other farms.. We offer a no obligation site assessment or advice on your project to ensure you have the best possible set up for your cows. Reduce incidents of lameness, mastitis and other issues with Mayo advice and guidance from the onset of your project.
Click here: www.mayofarmsystems.co.uk
|
|
|
UK - Fund for nature-friendly farming to be slashed in UK spending review
The 'nature-friendly' farming budget is set to be slashed in the UK spending review, with only small farms allowed to apply, it can be revealed. Sources at DEFRA confirmed the post-Brexit farming fund will be severely cut in the review on 11 June. It will be part of a swathe of cuts to departments, with police, social housing and nature funding expected to face the brunt.
Labour promised a fund of £5bn over two years, from 2024 to 2026, at the budget, which is being honoured, but in the years following that it will be slashed for all but a few farms.
The fund is a package of payments that replaced the EU's common agricultural policy and paid land managers for the amount of land in their care, with the aim of paying farmers to look after nature, soil and other public goods, rather than simply for farming and owning land. Many farms rely on these payments to make ends meet.
Defra is understood to be focusing the money on areas that it has mapped out as having the best potential for nature, such as the uplands, and paying farmers not to cultivate on peat soil. Defra sources said the scheme will be targeted at 'small farms'; wealthier farmers will not be eligible, meaning larger farms will be locked out of nature-friendly farming incentives.
In Europe, the common agricultural policy is being overhauled to include some payments for nature. Now it is feared British farms will have to intensify production to make ends meet as the post-Brexit subsidies are stopped completely for some landowners. It is understood ministers will argue farming profitability will be boosted during this period, and that the new nature restoration fund created by the planning and infrastructure bill will provide private investment for nature-friendly farming.
Biodiversity net gain rules for developers are also expected to be watered down after the Ministry of Housing and Local Government launched a review into the efficacy of developers creating space for nature when they build houses. Under the plans, development sites as large as 49 houses could benefit from simplified rules. At the moment, developers have to provide a 10% uplift for nature on the sites they build on.
Craig Bennett, the Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust, said of the nature restoration fund being used to fund farmers instead of government money: "I think it's dangerous to mix up those pots. We need decent funding for farmers to do nature recovery and you need decent funding for nature recovery in the wider countryside. If we start merging those together I don't see how we are going to make any progress on our domestic and international targets."
TheGuardian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UK - Langage Farm just took a sweet step into Japan
Devon-based Langage Farm has made its first move into the Japanese market with the launch of a new ice cream parlour in Tokyo. The company's award-winning ice cream and clotted cream are now available at The British Shop, a new venture by British entrepreneur Mark Spencer, founder of Hobgoblin Pubs in Japan. Located in the capital's bustling centre, the shop opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Japan. It offers a range of Langage Farm flavours, including Clotted Cream Vanilla, Devon Toffee and a version of the traditional British "99".
Langage Farm, based near Plymouth, has been producing dairy products for over 60 years. Its carbon-neutral farm uses milk from its own herd of Channel Island cows to create clotted cream, yogurt and artisan ice cream, which have earned national recognition in the UK. Steve Davies, National Accounts and Marketing Manager at Langage Farm, said: "This collaboration with Hobgoblin Japan is not only a celebration of great taste but a proud moment for Devon. We've built our reputation on exceptional quality and authenticity, and it's fantastic to see those values resonate across the world."
Mark Spencer's vision and ability to identify new opportunities, combined with his passion for British excellence make him the perfect partner for us in Japan."
The British Shop aims to offer a traditional British dessert experience to Tokyo's eclectic food scene and represents a growing international interest in West Country produce. Langage Farm's move comes amid broader interest in Devon-made products in Japan. The Devon Fudge Company has also found success in Tokyo, supplying handmade fudge to a British-themed market in Setagaya.
PlymouthChronical
|
|
|
|
|
UK - Farmers invited to discover winning dairy innovation at Harper Adams open day
Dairy farmers and industry stakeholders are invited to one of the UK's most advanced commercial dairy units when the 2024 NMR RABDF Gold Cup winner, Harper Adams University, hosts the competition's open day on Wednesday 2 July 2025.
The event offers a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge dairy technology in action and gain insights from top industry experts. Entry is free and open to all dairy farmers and sector professionals.
Home to a high-yielding 400-cow Holstein herd, Harper Adams University's Future Farm is both a hub for teaching and research and a fully operational commercial unit. The herd averages 13,489 kg of milk at 4.01% fat and 3.12% protein on three-times-a-day milking, with 36% of milk produced from forage - equivalent to 4,856 litres.
This marks the University's first-ever entry into the dairy industry's most prestigious competition. Judges awarded the Gold Cup to this dairy business in recognition of its outstanding technical performance, high herd health, and the seamless integration of teaching, research, and precision livestock management.
Visitors to the NMR RABDF Gold Cup Open Day will be welcomed by RABDF Chairman Robert Craig and can attend talks on milk markets, people management, profit maximisation from milk and feed, and disease control. These talk stations will be repeated to allow flexible attendance throughout the day.
Attendees will also gain access to the University Future Farm's cutting-edge infrastructure, including: A 40-point GEA internal rotary parlour milking three times daily. Computerised cow ID for detailed yield and activity tracking. Modern housing with rubber matting, automatic scrapers, fans and environmental enrichment. Easy-Fix mattress cubicles designed for comfort and welfare.
Commenting on the Open Day, RABDF Chairman Robert Craig said: "This Open Day offers a brilliant opportunity for farmers to not only see what's possible on a modern, high-performing unit, but to take away ideas and inspiration they can apply on their own farms. We're proud to showcase this year's winner and look forward to welcoming dairy producers from across the UK on 2 July."
The NMR RABDF Gold Cup Open Day is supported by principal sponsor Wynnstay, alongside Virgin Money and Kite Consulting. Attendance is free, but registration is essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rabdfnmr-gold-cup-open-day-tickets-1259540602849
Now Open for 2025 Entries
Entries for the 2025 Gold Cup are now open. Eligible herds will be contacted by their milk recording organisation in the coming weeks. Non-recorded herds can also be nominated.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: www.rabdf.co.uk/gold-cup-comp or speak to representatives at the NMR or RABDF stands during the Open Day on 2 July.
|
|
|
UK - Nominations open for 2025 Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award, celebrating women who connect, inspire, and share knowledge across the British dairy sector.
Sponsored by HSBC and run by Women in Dairy - an initiative of the RABDF - the award recognises exceptional women making a real difference in the industry.
Now in its ninth year, the award is a key part of the Women in Dairy mission to bring together women from all roles in the sector through regional discussion groups and national networking.
Previous winners include artisan cheesemaker Mary Quicke, livestock consultant Dr Jude Capper, dairy farmer and consultant Anna Bowen, dairy worker Lianne Farrow, and dairy farmer and industry representative Janette Prince, to name just a few.
Nominations must reflect the core values of Women in Dairy: connecting with others across the sector and the public, inspiring future generations, and sharing knowledge and expertise.
Di Wastenage, dairy farmer and Women in Dairy Patron, said: "There are so many inspiring women in our industry who play vital roles in its progress and innovation. This award is about celebrating their contributions and giving them the recognition they deserve.Nominees don't need to be farmers-they could be vets, consultants, technicians, researchers, or work elsewhere in the dairy supply chain. What matters is their impact," she said.
Nominations are open until 25 July 2025. Finalists will be selected by a judging panel and invited to a short interview with the judges and a member of the Women in Dairy steering committee.
The winner will be revealed during the Women in Dairy Conference on 17 September 2025 at Chesford Grange in Kenilworth. To nominate yourself or someone you know, or to find out more, visit: www.womenindairy.co.uk/award.
|
|
|
UK - Consumers demand natural, high protein dairy products
Over the last 52 weeks, the dairy sector experienced modest value growth of +2.0%, despite a slight decline in volume (-0.5%). While overall volumes are in decline, there are some areas of growth for dairy. Changes in consumer preferences are driving growth from certain categories, and stem from several key drivers: increased demand for higher protein content, rising interest in gut health, growing scepticism towards ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a surge in demand for naturalness. Many of these trends are circulating on social media and, as a result, products such as cottage cheese, whole milk and kefir yogurt have seen noticeable growth.
Whole milk is also experiencing growth, seeing a year-on-year increase of 2.9% in volume in the most recent 12 months, with growth in shares now making up 31% of volume sales within the cow's milk category. According to Nielsen, cow's milk experienced a year-on-year volume decline of 1.9% in 2024 (NIQ Panel on demand, 52 w/e 22 March 2025).
Growth of cow's milk categories in volume (bn litres)
Source: NIQ Panel on demand, 52 w/e 22 March 2025
Cottage cheese is gaining share within the cow cheese category now accounting for 4.3% of volume sales, as total cow cheese saw a 4.5% year-on-year increase in volume (NIQ Panel on demand, 52 w/e 22 March 2025). This growth is partly driven by rising health consciousness, as consumers increasingly prioritise protein content in their food choices. Plain cottage cheese supports this trend, providing 9.4g of protein per 100g in the full-fat variety and 10.6g of protein per 100g in the reduced fat version (McCance and Widdowson). As of December 2024, 28% of shoppers reported actively boosting their protein intake, with a further 29% indicating plans to increase it throughout 2025 (IGD ShopperVista, December 2024).
This demand for high protein foods is seen especially among consumers seeking functional foods to support their fitness goals, driving the success of protein-forward products, according to Mintel (British Lifestyles - UK - 2025). This is also confirmed within AHDB's Consumer Tracker, where 21% of respondents said they are concerned about protein content when choosing food, a 3%pt increase compared to the last quarter (AHDB/YouGov Consumer Tracker, February 2025).
Kefir yogurt - a cultured, fermented milk drink, is a smaller segment within yogurt and yogurt drinks but has seen a strong performance, seeing year-on-year increases in both value (+37.1%) and volume (+34.7%), contributing positively to the overall growth of the category. According to Nielsen, cow's yogurt saw a year-on-year increase of 7.9% in 2024 (NIQ Panel on demand, 52 w/e 22 March 2025).
As highlighted previously, more consumers are focused on health and wellness when making food choices. Specifically for milk, according to Mintel, cow's milk is often seen as minimally processed, with 63% of consumers prioritising its naturalness over its nutritional content, making it a preferred choice amid the spotlight on UPFs (Mintel, Dairy and Dairy Alternative Drinks, Milk and cream, 2024). In addition, Kantar reports that the naturalness and less-processed nature of whole milk is one of the main reasons behind its consumption, making up 15.3% of total servings in 2024 (Kantar Usage, Occasions Type & Needs Servings, 52 w/e 29 Dec 2024). This perception strengthens the demand for whole milk, as its single-sourced origin and lack of added flavouring highlights it as a more natural choice that aligns well with consumers' health goals. For more detailed dairy performance, please see our Dairy retail dashboard
|
|
|
UK - Staffordshire tenant farmers boost production through increased holding and herd size
A Staffordshire tenant farmer couple have marked five years' business success by increasing their holding as they continue to grow production. Richard and Rachel Moss recently took on additional acres of land on a letting arrangement taking them up to 180 acres and increased their dairy herd to 180 cows.
They're also using the latest industry innovation for more efficient operations, installing a robotic scraper to clean the cow housing and automated cleaning processes for the cows after milking.
Since taking on their first county council tenancy in 2019, the couple moved to their current holding north of Stafford after just two and a half years.
Despite being unsuccessful in their first application, Richard and Rachel persevered and were granted their initial 85-acre tenancy. While both had agricultural backgrounds - Rachel from a farming family and Richard getting his first job on a farm at 14 - county farms enabled them to get a foothold in the industry. As dairy farmers, progression to a larger holding has led to management of a larger herd and upgrading equipment for more efficient production and reducing energy consumption.
Staffordshire County Council's farms estate includes 63 equipped let farms with other land and rural property covering around 6,500 acres. Farm holdings are available to starters and those progressing, the majority are dairy units, the remainder rearing beef and sheep and a small area in arable production. Tenants are encouraged to farm as sustainably as possible and work to enhance the environment and biodiversity, alongside developing successful and innovative rural businesses.
Richard said: "When this progression farm came up for let, we didn't want to turn the opportunity down. It's a much bigger dairy unit and a longer tenancy which has allowed us to increase cow numbers and given us more security. We completed a parlour upgrade and also benefited from the county council's small grants scheme to improve holdings. We used this to install heat recovery to again save energy. The farm is equipped with solar panels, and we've reseeded sixty per cent of the farm, maintained hedgerows, water courses and improved fencing."
Staffordshire County Council has been providing rented farms since 1908, with a focus on stock rearing and dairy provision. The operation was extended after The Land Settlement Act of 1919, which aimed to provide ex-servicemen with opportunities on the land.
StaffCountyCouncil
|
|
|
UK - Guidance offered for three common grass silage concerns
Livestock farmers who experience common grass silage problems of heating, clamp slippage and mycotoxins, should reassess silage-making techniques.
That is the message from Freya Webber, Volac technical business manager for Scotland and Northern England, who says these are the three biggest grass silage concerns she hears from farmers. She offers tips to help farmers respond.
Silage heating: Usually it is due to a combination of grass being ensiled too mature and too dry, she explains, which contributes to inadequate consolidation, allowing yeasts and moulds to grow in the clamp in the presence of air. It is also not helped if a silage additive is used that does not tackle yeasts and moulds, she adds.
"If silage is heating, it's losing a lot of energy," says Freya. "It's not that grass silage is intentionally harvested late or made drier. It's just that for various reasons harvest gets delayed or grass ends up being wilted for too long. To prevent this, harvest before grass becomes excessively stemmy, and check its percentage dry matter (%DM) regularly during wilting, aiming for an optimum 28-32% DM.
"If grass does end up being over-wilted, be prepared to chop it shorter to help overcome the difficulty of compacting drier silage, and make sure the correct type of additive is used. So if you've had historical problems with grass silage heating, consider a dual-action additive, such as Ecocool, that not only aids fermentation but also controls the yeasts and moulds that cause heating. Ecocool has been shown to keep grass silage cool once opened to air for more than 15 days."
Clamp slippage: The increasing problem of silage slippage can occur for multiple reasons, says Freya - including silage being made too wet or from grass that is very leafy and lush; incorrect chop length; uneven clamp consolidation; and wide and/or over-filled clamps. "Several of these can contribute to silage towards the bottom of the clamp collapsing due to the weight of the silage above, resulting in the clamp face slipping. It's unlikely there's a single solution. However, steps to consider include adjusting wilting technique to increase the %DM if silage is being made too wet or lush - for example by introducing tedding - and adjusting the chop length. Generally, wetter or younger and leafier silage needs a longer chop length to help bind it together in the clamp.
"With wide clamps, divide them into narrower ones if possible. Also, make sure the entire clamp is consolidated evenly from top to bottom and avoid loading clamps too high. Lusher, younger grass will have more tender cells, which are more easily ruptured under pressure. So if the crop is lush and below 30%DM, it's especially important not to over-fill them - for example, don't fill them much more than 3m high. Care should always be taken around silage clamps, but especially if the silage is moving as the timing of a slip can't be predicted."
Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins, produced by moulds, can cause a wide range of livestock health problems, says Freya. "Taking steps to minimise mould growth - such as fully removing air from the clamp with effective consolidation and avoiding slippage - will help to reduce the risk," she explains. "With maize, ensiling with Ecocool has also been shown to prevent both mould growth and significant accumulation of certain mycotoxins when the silage was exposed to air. If mycotoxins are suspected, consult your vet and get the silage checked using the Mycocheck service, which tests for a range of different mycotoxins. If mycotoxins are identified, a specialist mycotoxin remediation treatment, such as Ultrasorb, will be needed to reduce the mycotoxin burden in the silage in the final feed fed to the livestock," Freya concludes.
Ecosyl
|
|
|
China - Milk output drops as dairy industry struggles to keep up with changing tastes
China's liquid milk production slumped 2.8% last year from the year before to 27.4 million tonnes in total, according to data from the China Dairy Industry Association. Prior to this, output had been growing at more than 2% a year for the past five years.
Dairy producers above a designated size across the country logged a drop in dairy product production of 1.9% in 2024 year on year to 29.6 million tonnes, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. This is the first negative growth in recent years and is in stark contrast to 2022 and 2023, when output expanded by 2% and 3.1% respectively.
This has had an impact on revenue. The top three dairy companies, namely Yili Group, Mengniu Dairy and Bright Dairy, all logged a dive in earnings of between 8 and 10% last year from a year earlier. Yili posted revenue of CNY115.8 billion (USD16 billion), Mengniu reported CNY88.7 billion (USD12.3 billion) and Bright Dairy logged CNY24.3 billion.
There are two main reasons behind the slump, Liu Jiangyi, Chairman of the China Dairy Industry Association, said. First, a complex domestic and foreign economic environment has led to a slowdown in consumer spending, and second, the market is reflecting both a drop in demand for regular milk and a dependence on imported premium dairy products.
China's dairy industry has been dominated for a long time by different types of liquid milk, but consumption is now on the decline. Last year, the average Chinese person consumed 41.5 kilograms of dairy, a 5.6% drop from the year before.
Imports of liquid and fermented milk are also tumbling. However, imports of higher-end items such as cream, condensed milk and whey protein are going up. For example, cream imports jumped 9 percent last year from a year ago to 290,000 tonnes.
The dairy sector is being completely reshaped, Wang Hua, a marketing manager at Swedish food packaging firm Tetra Pak, said at the meeting. Snacking has become a growing trend and this is driving up demand for ready-to-eat cheese. The fitness boom is also boosting interest in protein supplements and weight management products.
Yicaiglobal.com
|
|
|
UK - West Country Dairy Awards
Over £20,000 is available to students living in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset. The fund gives grants to students of all ages who are undertaking further education courses related to the dairy industry.
Sons and daughters of farmers or farm employees, or students who can demonstrate commitment to the dairy industry and show aptitude to 'add value' to the industry shall be considered.
The fund is sponsored by AC Mole, Arla Foods, Barber's, Cogent UK, Cooper and Tanner, Crediton Dairy, Cornish Mutual, Crediton Milling Company, Dairy Crest Direct, Glastonbury Festival, Harpers Feeds, Lely, Lye Cross Farm, Mole Valley Farmers, Mount Vets, NFU, NFU Mutual, Old Mill, The Royal Bath & West of England Society, Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, Synergy Farm Health, Trewithen Dairy, Rodda's and Wyke Farms.
Applications are now being accepted and need to be received by 31st July. More information is available from Lucy Brooke 07583468877 or email westcountrydairyawards@gmail.com or download an application and leaflet from www.afcp.org.uk/node/66
|
|
| |
BRITISH DAIRYING
ENSURE YOU RECEIVE EVERY COPY
British Dairying is available by subscription at £70.00 posted to UK addresses,
£90.00 for Europe, £115.00 for the Rest of the world
or £30 +VAT for British Dairying Online only
|
|
|
QUOTE
"It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance."
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good."
Thomas Sowell - Economist, Political Commentator and Historian, 1930-
|
|
| |
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you are a registered reader of British Dairying and we are pleased to send you extra information to supplement the journal.
|
|
|
British Dairying,
WB Publishing Ltd
Priory Cottage, Eastbourne Road Ridgewood East Sussex TN22 5ST
WB Publishing Ltd is registered in England and Wales, Registration No 2951727
|
|
