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

Latest News About UK agriculture pivots from cereals to milk production

UK farmers are shifting away from arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices rise. High fertiliser costs are pressuring cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins narrow. Fertiliser prices slipped but remain too high for many, and many growers cope. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters on alert in dry weather, the heat has also withered the land. The blazes hit local farms and raised safety issues, local communities monitor. Paul Burke now directs England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he took over from his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are establishing trees instead of wheat, as part of a move. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops hard for many families facing rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming declines, aiming to counterbalance income loss.

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