The number of dairy producers across Britain stood at an estimated 7,200 in October 2024, according to figures released by the AHDB.
This marks a slight decrease of just 30 dairy producers since April, suggesting that the decline in the sector may be slowing.
In contrast, the previous year saw a more significant loss of 300 dairy producers, or 4% of the total, from October 2023.
AHDB noted that the majority of exits occurred during the previous winter, when continued pressure on margins and the impact of robust cull cow prices were likely key factors driving the decline.
“However, better prices through the summer this year may have stemmed the flow of people exiting the industry for now,” said Annabel Twinberrow, an AHDB analyst.
The figures indicate a potential stabilisation in the sector, as positive market conditions seem to have provided some relief to producers.
Additionally, the latest AHDB data shows a continued trend towards larger dairy farms in Great Britain. The average milk volume per farm has risen to 1.7m litres per year, reflecting the shift towards fewer but larger operations within the industry.
With milk prices rising since April, AHDB expects the recent increase in milk production to continue throughout the remainder of the season, signalling a potential positive outlook for British dairy farmers in the coming years.
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