Only 8,000 GB Dairy Farmers remain with many more set to quit soon

AHDB have released their October 2021 producer numbers estimate based on levy paying farmers and only 8,000 remain with  310 (3.7%) dairy farmers having quit  in the past 12 months.

The National Media & TV have already picked up on the signs that between now and next spring it seems inevitable there will be a significant increase in producers exiting the industry to that seen in the past 6 months.  The numbers of large herds up for sale both publically and privately is starting to look like a worrying trend.

So many  that some milk processors are now sitting up and showing concerns over continuity of supply.

With spiralling costs its starting to look like a tidal wave of farmers wanting out before they haemorrhage more money.

The problem for milk purchasers is they often receive only a day or two’s notice a farmer is quitting and one processor has informed Ian that it has been alerted to 3 significant producers exiting in the past 10 days.

If that wasn’t enough when the government announces its golden handshake lump sum payment, due in the next few weeks, it could quickly turn to a Tsunami.

Its time retailers and others took stock of how serious the position is down on the farm.

 

The average milk output of the remaining farms has risen to 1.57 million and the largest producer according to Ian is responsible for circa 30 million litres plus.

Note the AHDB 8,000 producer number is  based on commercial dairy farmers contributing to National milk & dairy product output.