Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays - Farmers Weekly

Latest News About UK farmers shift from crops to dairy herds

UK farmers are dropping arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices increase. High fertiliser costs are pressuring cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins narrow. Fertiliser prices fell but remain unaffordable for many, and many growers struggle. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters on alert in dry weather, the heat has also dried the land. The blazes hit local farms and highlighted safety issues, local communities watch. Paul Burke now leads England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he replaced his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are sowing trees instead of wheat, as part of a shift. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops hard for many families confronting rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming wanes, aiming to offset income loss.

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