Issuu

Machinery

Compact tractor brings simplicity to cubicle management Page 50 January 2026

Volume 73 Issue 1

ZERO

Soya as standard

Maize Options for 2026 growing season Pages 32-37 TM

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Dairy-Tech preview A look ahead to the event and new product launches Pages 38-48

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Breeding UK-bred Coyote leads the pack Pages 22-24

Milk Prices Pages 54-59

TIP OF THE MONTH: Strategies for managing winter mastitis infections – p16

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editor

would like to start off by wishing a Happy New Year to you all. This is not the start to 2026 anyone wanted to see, with a raft of milk price cuts being announced for January. It is clear that we are facing one of the most difficult periods the industry has seen, but as several commentators point out in this month’s edition, it is important to look for the signs of optimism and positivity. One of the strongest positives is coming from our export sector, where 2025 values are set to surpass the previous year’s totals, and the positive momentum looks like it should continue into 2026. So, as we batten down the hatches to weather out this particular storm, we must also look forward to some of the events that are taking place in

UDDERMINT

the coming months. The first is Dairy-Tech, where as well as discussions about dairy markets here and abroad, there will also be a vast array of new products on show. It is set to be another great event, and a good excuse to get off the farm and meet with fellow farmers. Before we know it, daylight hours will start to lengthen and once again thoughts will turn to this year’s growing season, and in particular maize planting. In this month’s edition we have a focus on maize. For some growers, 2025 was a tricky season, so we have taken advice from the experts on the latest breeding developments, new varieties and also how a contract with an neighbouring arable farmer could be a useful arrangement for some dairy farmers.

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What’s inside? JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 73 8

DAIRY TALK

Updates from Robert Reed and Ifan Roberts

ISSUE 1

30 RUMEN HEALTH

A focus on performance this winter

10 ON FARM

32 MAIZE

14 DAIRY MATTERS

38 DAIRY-TECH PREVIEW

Cornish dairy farm focuses on butterfat Reasons for cautious long-term optimism

16 VET’S VIEW

Managing winter mastitis infections on-farm

18 YOUNGSTOCK

Exploring latest research into colostrum handling

20 WORLD DAIRYING

Big plans for the future on Ukrainian dairy farm

Variety choices and growing options

A look at what is lined up for visitors

50 MACHINERY

Compact Kubota proves worth for cubicle duties

54 MILK PRICES 58 MILK ANALYSIS 60 NEW PRODUCTS

Round-up of products and updates hitting the market

22 BULL PROOFS

62 GOOD EVANS

26 DAIRYING IN KENYA

64 BUSINESS CLINIC

The latest bulls on the block

Smallholders are backbone of sector

On the First Milk stand at the Royal Welsh Show

Milk rollercoaster does not look like stopping

10-12

On Farm

50-53

Machinery

4 DF Jan p4 5 R KJ.indd 2

News

Coherent strategy is needed to boost profits

he long-awaited Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review has called for a much more coherent strategy and a change to the way farming is valued in the UK. The report contains 57 recommendations, including a call to measure the value of primary and secondary processing in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reassess the full value of farming, to apply the ‘active farmer principle’ to the Sustainable Farming Scheme and

make it more accessible for farmers. Other recommendations include a focus on labour, including implementing the recommendations from John Shropshire’s review into labour shortages within the food supply chain and a review of regulation to assess both its effectiveness and cost on agriculture. In the foreword, Baroness Batters said: “In my time at the NFU, the one question that often had a recurring negative answer from Whitehall, was asking if farming matters. “The answer often was no, be-

Starmer under fire for lack of empathy on IHT JPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has brushed off the potential of a Government U-turn on reforms to Inheritance Tax, despite hearing first hand the impact it could have on vulnerable and elderly farmers. Sir Keir was summoned to the Liaison Committee in December, made up of Select Committee chairs, to face questions on his leadership and the function of Government policy in public life. It came a day before the Finance Bill passed its second reading following debate in the House of Commons.

Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith said farmers felt they were ‘misled’ by the Labour Party prior to the General Election that changes would not be made to Agricultural Property Relief. She asked him: “Is the Prime Minister aware that some farmers, who have terminal diagnosis, now are actively planning to expedite their own deaths before April?” He said he had had ‘discussions with a number of individuals who have drawn all manner of things to his attention’.

JANUARY 2026 19/12/2025 14:59

News Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review has 57 recommendations for improvements .

cause it is only 0.6% of GDP. Whether farming matters and how it is valued is fundamental to the future of farming in England and across the United Kingdom.” She added there was ‘no silver bullet to achieve farming profitability’ and she also highlighted the sharp rise in fixed costs that all sectors had seen, but the farming budget had not been increased and farmers were being asked to do more for less.

Further And the need for coherent strategy stretched further than just to Defra. She said: “We need a ‘National Plan for Farming’, one that stretches across Government departments, recognising the importance of teach-

ing our children about food and cooking in school.” In its initial response, the Government has announced the launch of a new Farming and Food Partnership Board to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the sector. Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as deputy, the board will bring together senior leaders from farming, food production, retail, finance and Government to take a practical, partnership-led approach from farm-to-fork to strengthen food production. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “When farming thrives, the whole country benefits. British farmers are central to our

We need a ‘National Plan for Farming’, one that stretches across Government departments BARONESS BATTERS food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside.” She added that the review underlined the need for Government,

News in brief

GB producer numbers down JIn AHDB’s latest survey of major milk buyers, it is estimated that there were 7,010 dairy producers in GB as of October 2025. There was only a marginal loss of 30 producer numbers between April 2025 and October 2025. However, year-on-year, there was an estimated decline of 190 dairy producers (-2.6%) indicating that most of the industry exits took place last winter. Firm milk prices and good profitability during the summer months may have reduced the flow of producers exiting the industry temporarily. The latest BCMS figures record the GB milking herd at 1.60 million head, as of July 1, 2025, which is down 0.6% on the previous year. Average milk volume per farm in GB has now increased to an estimated 1.82 million litres (+6.6%) for the year from October 2024 to October 2025, denoting the continued trend towards consolidation with fewer but larger farms.

farming and the food industry to work more closely. “This is about serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment and make the food system work better, so farm businesses can grow, invest and plan for the future with confidence.”

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News

Strong year for UK dairy exports There has been demand for UK Cheddar in France and the US.

PICTURE : GETTY

airy exports have seen a strong year in 2025, with hopes for continued growth in the new year. Total exports for 2024 were at £1.8 billion, but £1.6bn had been made in the first nine months of 2025, meaning the industry was well on the way to beating last year’s figures. And exports would ultimately benefit dairy producers, providing processors with more options to balance milk production and help to smooth out the demand cycle, according to AHDB. AHDB senior international trade development manager for the dairy sector Rachael Speed said the high consumption and demand for liquid milk in the UK was great for the sector, but that export markets were providing assurance for processors that there were other outlets for British milk. “It helps processors not to put all of their eggs in one basket,” said Ms Speed. UK cheeses were particularly in demand with unique territorial cheese. For example, in France, while the country is known for its high-quality cheese, it does not

make Cheddar and exporters from the UK were helping fill demand for Cheddar in the country. “We produce fundamentally different things than they do,” added Ms Speed. In the US, where they do produce

Cheddar, they produce it differently to the UK meaning it has a different flavour profile, so there were opportunities for UK Cheddar on US supermarket shelves. Waxed truckle cheeses were particularly in demand. Barber’s Cheesemakers has been

Processors urged to act responsibly JDairy representatives have urged processors to act responsibly during a ‘particularly testing period’ for the dairy sector. NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers’ Union issued a joint open letter to milk processors, highlighting the need for transparency and good communication between farmers and processors during these challenging times. Milk buyers were reminded of the importance of complying with the fair dealing legislation and maintaining open channels of communication and transparency with their suppliers. The farming unions also encouraged dairy farmers to engage proactively with their milk buyers. NFU Cymru Dairy Board chair Jonathan Wilkinson said: “With many dairy farmers facing a difficult

6 DF Jan p6 KJ.indd 2

winter, it is of the utmost importance that the dairy supply chain functions in a fair and transparent way.” Paul Tompkins, NFU Dairy Board chair, highlighted the role of the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator overseeing compliance with regulations and said farmers were ‘now empowered to request an explanation for how their milk price is calculated to ensure that any changes are in accordance with their contract’. NFU Scotland Milk Committee chair Bruce Mackie added prices were tumbling at an alarming rate while production costs rose, and it was imperative there was transparency, fair play and communication. Ulster Farmers’ Union dairy chair Cyril Orr said it was more vital than ever that farmers could place trust in their processors.

He added: “We need to see greater openness, transparency and genuine collaboration within milk pools. This is essential to ensure a sustainable future for dairy farmers.” A call for action was issued from the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), urging the Welsh Government to consider intervention to prevent long-term damage to the sector. Gerwyn Williams, chair of the FUW Animal Health and Dairy Committee, said: “The speed and severity of this price drop is unprecedented.” He added that suggestions the situation would extend to next summer would see businesses close, with the union stating the Government must work with the industry to provide immediate stability and a plan for longer-term resilience.

one of the cheesemakers to tap into the US markets. It said Christmas and Thanksgiving were ‘incredibly important marketing opportunities’ for its cheese products. It added: “Our new product development teams continue to develop the most imaginative and creative products, ingredient-enhanced addition cheeses, and waxed cheeses of all colours and shapes. All of which helps to add value to milk.”

Expat market Countries with British expats were also a key target, with familiar products and a taste of home appealing to this market. While cheese was a major focus due to its longer shelf life making it ideal for export, there were also opportunities for yoghurt in the Middle East, and butter. Looking ahead, Ms Speed was optimistic the UK could continue its positive momentum into 2026. In particular, she highlighted the opportunities in Asia and the Middle East, with AHDB set to attend trade shows including Gulf Food and Food and Hotels Asia.

JANUARY 2026 19/12/2025 09:52

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DAIRY Talk

Ifan Roberts

Ifan Roberts is a new entrant who has established a contract farming agreement milking 500 block calving cows in Cheshire, and is aiming to improve the land farmed, encourage others to participate in the industry and deliver attractive returns for his stakeholders.

I was reminded on several occasions by other [Nuffield] scholars that this was just the beginning and that I now had to put what I had learned from the experience into practice

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ovember was a busy time for us at Brookhouse Farm. As we brought our first full year here to a close, we had a few more infrastructure projects to complete as we housed our cows. This included adding 75 cubicles into existing buildings and emptying a build-up of sediment out of our main slurry channel. I was then finally able to see my Nuffield report, Inspiring the Next Generation of Dairy Entrepreneurs, published, and I got to present my findings at the Nuffield Farming Conference in Aberdeen. This was quite the commitment because between all the travel, the rehearsal and the conference itself I had to take four days away from the farm. During the conference, I saw most of my fellow Nuffield cohort presenting interesting topics, including ‘Neurodiversity in Farming’, ‘Black Soldier Fly Farming’, and ‘Opportunities for Small Ruminant Dairy in the UK’. We also saw some very impressive presentations from the Nuffield Next-Gen scholars, which was an opportunity launched by Nuffield two years ago to allow six 18- to 25-year-olds to travel the UK and visit a wide range of well-run businesses in dairy and poultry. Despite the poor weather conditions, the conference boasted more than 350 attendees, many of whom I have had the privilege of meeting on several occasions and who have been a huge support to me in my journey. It was, therefore, a somewhat daunting prospect to stand up in front of them all to give a 12-minute speech. It felt like an eternity. As I stood at the podium, I called upon some of the great public speaking experience I was given as a member of Young Farmers over the years and got through my speech without too many hiccups. It was also nice to talk about how we have been able to help my team members, Josh and Ffion, at the farm go from a non-farming background to now owning their first 10 dairy heifer calves together. It was also a proud moment for us to see Josh receive his certificate for completing his Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers entrepreneurs in dairy course. As the conference drew to a close, and with the sudden realisation dawning on me that my study

was now finally finished, I was reminded on several occasions by other scholars that this was just the beginning and that I now had to put what I had learned from the experience into practice.

Looking ahead So, as we now look ahead into the new year with what looks to be a potentially gloomy outlook for the dairy industry, with falling milk prices, I am reminding the team here of the things that I heard Warren Buffett say during his annual shareholders speech last year. He said: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” Mr Buffett talked about the importance of avoiding panic or of making rash decisions, trusting in long-term value during downturns and avoiding overconfidence or euphoria during upturns, which I think we should all remember during this challenging time we are facing. As much as it is painful to see such turbulence, it is something that most of us have seen many times before, and there is nothing that quite focuses one’s mind in business than when times are lean.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 11:18

Dairy Talk

Robert Reed Farming 405 hectares (1,000 acres), a mix of tenanted and owned land at Gatcombe Farm, near Seaton, Devon, Robert Reed and his family milk 350 all-year-round calving Holstein cows via five robots and are achieving average yields of 12,000 litres.

A crash in milk price is not what we need

s I sit writing this, just before Christmas, it looks like December is set to be the wettest month of the year. But overall, we are probably due for some rain to average the year out. For us, weather in 2025 was not too bad and we have to plan for a dry spell most years. If you go west towards Cornwall, Mid and North Devon, they have had a very good year. However, you do not need to go too far north and farmers have had an exceptionally dry year and some are very short of forage. The grass reseeds after maize and cereals have grown fantastically well and we are struggling to get enough sheep to eat it off before we shut them up for first cut silage. Roll on spring 2026. We have had issues with calf health and mastitis this summer only to discover our water supply, which we have been using since the mid-1990s and never had a problem, was to blame. Contamination from slurry or a septic pit could not be the cause as it comes from ground that never has slurry or anything anywhere near it. We drilled a new borehole in 2022 on another site thinking that lack of water could be an issue in the future and this has been mothballed until now. In a rush job, it was fitted out and plumbed in. This took about a month and in the meantime, we trialled some ‘magic tablets’. The company selling kept talking about biofilms in water, which is a new word to me. All I can say is it had an immediate effect on our mastitis and is looking positive on calf health.

Test clear We had another whole herd test clear for bovine TB in October. Every half-yearly test passed is a step in the right direction. In November, we hosted the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on-farm for them to go back and push the Government on bTB. I do not know where things will go as talk about bTB seems to have gone quiet and the Government is in turmoil with everything else. A year ago, I wrote about the exceptional beef prices we achieved, peaking at £1,925 only to turn around and hit just short of £2,600 for store cattle this year. Let’s hope it holds up. Slurry storage for this winter is going to be very tight.

We have currently got two sites earmarked for earth bank lagoons, but getting consent and planning always takes a lot longer than you think. Looking forward to this year, it looks like it is going to be a busy year. By hook or by crook we will have one if not two of the slurry stores to build, our goal being to have nine months’ storage. We have a grant to cover silage pits for which we have finally received planning permission and are now trying to book in a firm to put up the sheds. This will make a massive difference to our feeding, keeping a consistent dry matter for the forages will be a game-changer nutrition-wise, let alone all the benefits of separating clean water and managing any effluent. For many years we have rented winter housing for cattle. Apart from this not being easy to secure, we have only just recently earmarked a suitable site to put up cattle sheds and are currently going through the painstaking process of planning permission. As I have experienced in the past, this can sometimes take up to three years, I certainly hope this is not the case this time. I have mentioned more than once that dairy companies have to manage their milk pools, there has never been a stronger statement than now with the over-supply of milk. With the investment that farmers have to make, a crash in milk price is not what we need. I ended my first Dairy Farmer article of 2025 with a statement that my father used to say: ‘You will be all right, everybody has to eat.’ Again, although I feel we have public support, I have never felt so undervalued by our current Government as I do now.

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9 19/12/2025 09:50

On Farm The Warren family runs a mixed breed herd, with quality bonuses from a creamery making up a large percentage of the milk cheque. Wendy Short finds out more.

PICTURES: FARLAP PHOTOGRAPHY

Cornish dairy farm focuses on butterfat production

James Warren runs a mixed herd of 320 cows with his mum Rosemary at Tredinney farm, near Land’s End.

he 320-cow grazed herd at Tredinney Farm, near Land’s End, is calved all year round, with 8,500kg/ head of milk sold at 5% butterfat and 3.63% protein. The breeding programme has been focused on butterfat production since 2017, following the signing of a milk contract with Rodda’s, a Redruth company noted for its Cornish clotted cream production. Fifth-generation farmer James Warren, who farms with his mother, Rosemary, says: “In November, the business was receiving 6.95ppl for every 1% butterfat, so it forms a very significant element of our income.

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“The Rodda’s cream brand must be produced in Cornwall and we are one of more than 40 farmer suppliers in the area.” The herd comprises 80 Guernseys and 115 Jerseys registered under the Tredinney prefix, along with 120 Holsteins registered under the Bartinney prefix, as well as half a dozen pedigree Ayrshires. The herd was in a good position to supply milk for cream, he adds, as Channel Island breeds are known for their high butterfat production potential. The Guernsey has a long history on the farm. Mr Warren says: “The family has run Guernseys for five generations. However, in 1995 the

farm doubled in size and females which matched our quality standards in the number required for expansion were unavailable at that point, so the Jersey offered a good alternative. “The Holstein was added later to push overall yields, as we felt there was not enough reward for our high-quality milk with the contract that was in place at the time.”

Pedigree Mr Warren takes a strong interest in pedigree breeding and is vice-chair and a former chair of the English Guernsey Cattle Society. He is also a dairy judge, and stepped into the role for the

Guernseys at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show in Australia. He says: “A good cow is a good cow, no matter what the breed. The mix suits our production system, with each breed making a useful contribution. Roughly 60% of the females are bred pure to sexed semen and animals not required for replacement production are put to the British Blue or the Aberdeen-Angus via artificial intelligence (AI). Their calves are sold at three- to three-and-a-half months at the local auction mart. “There is a ready market for our surplus Holsteins, which are usually sold fresh in their first or second lactations. Surpluses from the other

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:38

On Farm Farm facts ■ The herd has a calving interval of 395 days ■ The herd is run as one, with the dry cows divided into two groups according to pregnancy stage ■ Milked twice a day, the cows are housed in cubicles, with a typical grazing season running from mid-March to October ■ The average lactation number is 5.2

breeds are marketed privately, or through the breed sales. These transactions form an important part of farm income.” He considers showing an enjoyable combination of business promotion and hobby, and the herd has produced some notable dairy bulls. “Several Guernseys have entered AI stud, including Tredinney Daytona’s Maestro. Tredinney Buster has recently been selected,” Mr Warren says.

“Buster is polled, which is uncommon within the breed, and there has been interest from abroad. They have won the inter-breed dairy championship at the Royal Cornwall on two occasions and the first time, in 2013, was a milestone as it was the first time the breed had taken the title in 80 years. In 2023, it went to one of our Jerseys. “The Holstein Friesians are shown on a more limited basis, but 2025 saw a cow sold earlier in the year take a blue rosette at the 2025 UK Dairy Day.

Milk “They are far from extreme types, as they need to turn grazed grass into milk. Across the breeds, a good rump is one of the primary selection traits, as width between the legs supports the udder, as well as improving ease of calving.” A simple total mixed ration (TMR) is fed all year round and the target analysis is aimed at maximising butterfat yields. The winter diet

The winter diet comprises first and third cut silage, maize silage, potatoes, fodder beet and crimped grain. The herd comprises a mixture of Guernseys, Jerseys Holsteins and a handful of Ayrshires.

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11 18/12/2025 15:39

On Farm

About 60% of the females are bred pure to sexed semen to produce heifer replacements for the herd.

The previous 90-place youngstock kennel building has recently been replaced by a new building with 108 spaces.

comprises first and third cut silage, maize silage, potatoes, fodder beet and crimped grain. A mix containing equal thirds of soya, rape meal and maize meal is added and concentrates are fed to yield in the 21:42 herringbone parlour. The yield from forage figure is 3,400kg. “The supply of waste potatoes can be inconsistent. As they are prewashed they will only keep fresh for a couple of weeks. However, they are very high in starch, the cows like them and they are a cost-effective

both season shoulders on standard grass mixes. Mr Warren says: “It can be challenging to persuade the cows to eat grass when they know the TMR is waiting for them. That means keeping lush grass in front of them at all times. The 21-day rotational grazing programme is managed so paddocks will often be closed after two rounds and a cut of silage will follow. Therefore, the third round will be silage aftermath.” Situated just a few miles from the

option. In a dry summer, they will be fed at a rate of up to 10kg/head/ day. If the potatoes run short, the ration is supplemented with maize silage and sometimes additional crimped grain. “Fodder beet is limited to the winter months. One beneficial preventative for metabolic disorders has been the introduction of propylene glycol for fresh-calvers, and a calcium binding agent has brought milk fever cases down to about one per year.” Extended grazing is practised at

coast and in a fairly high rainfall area, the 138-hectare (340-acre) farm has a mainly light soil type, with its position at up to 182 metres (600 feet) above sea level leading to exposure to strong winds. A further 81ha (200 acres) of land is rented. The maize acreage makes up about 45ha (112 acres) and home-grown spring barley is crimped for the TMR. He says: “About 15cm of soil overlies what is known locally as ‘rab,’ a grit-based subsoil. It can be dug up to form excellent cow tracks, which run through the grazing area with minimal need for investment. Some have been down for 15 years and are still working well.”

Staff

Extended grazing is practised at both season shoulders on standard grass mixes.

MILK PRODUCTION COMPARISON Breed Guernsey Jersey Holstein Friesian

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Yield (average kg) 7,022 7,042 10,586

Butterfat (average %) 5.18 5.27 4.20

SOURCE: TREDINNEY FARM

Protein (average %) 3.60 3.85 3.35

Assisted by five full-time staff and one part-timer, Mr Warren still enjoys his connection with the cows, taking on regular milking responsibilities. His wife Shelley is involved in the business and runs her own hair salon. Their daughter Sophia (12) also takes a keen interest, especially in the showing side. “Two issues always under review are calving interval and longevity; there is always room for further progress in these areas,” he says. “Conception to first service runs at 40%, which is a respectable result when sexed semen is included, but it could be higher. There are no plans for any significant expansion, as the team would rather focus on making breeding improvements and fine-tuning current performance.”

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:39

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18/12/2025 11:11

DAIRY Matters

‘Reasons for cautious long-term optimism’

zone. This has encouraged farmers to aim for higher production, but this profitability is already eroding quickly as milk prices fall. These price declines come on the heels of a profitable period for many Scottish dairy businesses. During the past 18 months, farms invested heavily in buildings, machinery, milking systems, land and livestock. Such investment supported not only individual farms but were a huge boost to agricultural suppliers and the wider rural economy. For farmers who took on debt to finance expansion, however, the speed and severity of milk price drops will cause financial strain. Servicing loans may become difficult, and NFU Scotland will, through its regular dialogue with major banks, explain market volatility, highlight farm-level impacts and outline expectations that stability and recovery may return in 2026.

Investment

PICTURE: PAUL WATT

The dairy sector has always experienced cyclical highs and lows, but the current downturn is unprecedented in speed and scale, says Bobby Carruth, milk policy manager at NFU Scotland.

armers and processors alike are facing one of the most difficult periods the industry has ever seen. Navigating it will require trust, transparency and fairness throughout the supply chain. Farmers on organic, Gold Top or supermarket-aligned contracts may be partially shielded, but most producers are fully exposed. Many now face farmgate milk prices that sit well below the cost of production, with no short-term recovery in sight. The reasons for these steep declines, and the likelihood that they will continue deep into 2026, are well known. Surging levels of production, both domestically and internationally, remain the central drive. Milk production in Great Britain has been rising steadily for more than 16 months. Annual output is on track to exceed 13 billion litres for the first time, just as production recovers in the EU and major global exporters such as the US and New Zealand expand. This surge has depressed wholesale markets worldwide. Prices for key commodities such as mild Cheddar, butter and skimmed milk powder are approaching their lowest levels in five years across UK, European and world markets. Adding further pressure, falling feed prices here in the UK have encouraged higher feed use. GB’s animal feed manufacture is at record levels, and the milk-to-feed price ratio remains in the expansion

Bobby Carruth

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Long-term resilience in the Scottish dairy sector will require more than strong farm-level commitment – it must be matched by investment in processing capacity. Increasing Scotland’s ability to add value to its own milk is a strategic priority for NFU Scotland, especially given the country’s natural strengths as a place to produce high-quality milk. A key example is Arla’s £144 million investment in its Lockerbie facility, due to make significant progress in 2026. This expansion will introduce UHT and lactose-free processing capacity and strengthen its Cheddar production. And several smaller-scale investments in milk processing across Scotland are also planned. Better insight into Scotland’s milk production is essential for attracting further processing investment. NFU Scotland is working with the Scottish Government to provide more accurate, up-to-date production figures. While Great Britain overall is experiencing herd contraction, Scotland presents a different picture. Although the number of dairy herds continues to decline gradually – down by 10 to just more than 750 in the first half of 2025 – the total dairy cow population remains stable and is even slightly growing. As of July 2025, Scotland had about 182,000 dairy cows, an increase of roughly 1,600 over six months. This stable herd demonstrates

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 11:06 am

NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch campaign continues to monitor the availability of Scottish own-label dairy products in supermarkets.

One of the strongest positives for the sector lies in export performance. UK dairy export values reached £1.6 billion

a strong, ongoing commitment to producing quality milk across Scotland, including remote and island regions. It sends an important message to processors: Scotland offers consistent milk supply and deserves consideration when companies decide where to invest in new ‘stainless steel’. One of the strongest positives for the sector lies in export performance. UK dairy export values reached £1.6 billion in 2025 and are set to surpass the previous year’s totals. Cheese exports in particular hit a six-year high in the third quarter of 2025. Scottish cheesemakers are contributing significantly to these gains, with rising demand from markets such as the US, Spain and Australia. Scottish producers have also been active participants in AHDBled trade missions to the Middle East, and further missions are planned to Scandinavia, the US and India. Domestically, Scottish cheese manufacturers are securing more retail and foodservice listings,

providing a bright spot heading into 2026. NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch campaign, now moving into its third year, will continue monitoring the availability of Scottish own-label dairy products in supermarkets. As wholesale prices for butter, Cheddar and cream continue to fall, NFU Scotland is urging retailers to pass these savings on to consumers. Lower retail prices could stimulate demand for high-quality dairy products at a time when the sector urgently needs a boost. ShelfWatch will play a key role in identifying whether supermarkets are responding appropriately to market conditions. The months ahead will be challenging, and recovery in milk prices may be distant, but Scotland’s stable herd numbers, new processing investments, strong export growth and increased retail traction for Scottish dairy products all provide reasons for cautious long-term optimism – signs that, despite its current difficulties, the Scottish dairy sector retains significant underlying resilience.

Cargill Animal Nutrition, Provimi Ltd., Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Y07 3HE 01845 578125 www.provimi.com

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15 18/12/2025 11:07 am

Vet’s View

Vet Emma Greaves, of Stapeley Veterinary Practice, looks at how to manage winter mastitis infections on-farm. Dairy Farmer reports.

Winter mastitis: W The cold weather culprit in dry cows What makes winter mastitis different? WINTER mastitis is usually a dry-cow mastitis, occurring predominantly during the housing period, says vet Emma Greaves, of Stapeley Veterinary Practice. The disease is often sudden in onset, with swollen quarters,

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thickened skin, hot painful udders and, in many cases, watery or blood-tinged milk, accompanied by systemic illness.

Milking Unlike milking-cow mastitis, which can be linked to machine milking

or teat-end damage, winter mastitis arises from bedding contamination, prolonged lying and close animal contact. Ms Greaves says: “Because the cow is dry, the first signs may be missed until the infection is well advanced.”

inter is the season of frozen water troughs, escape-artist calves and the prime time for winter mastitis. Farm vet Emma Greaves, of Shropshire-based Stapeley Veterinary Practice, says mastitis remains one of the most frustrating and costly challenges for dairy producers. She explains that, unlike the classic environmental mastitis cases of the milking season, winter mastitis is typically a sudden and destructive infection that progresses rapidly and often leaves lasting damage to the udder. With animals housed for extended periods and lying times increasing, the colder months create the perfect conditions for the pathogens responsible.

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Vet’s View Key pathogens involved in winter mastitis ■ Trueperella pyogenes This is the most common culprit, says vet Emma Greaves, of Stapeley Veterinary Practice. “This nasty bacteria causes severe, often irreversible tissue damage. It produces thick, foul-smelling pus,” she says. Often associated with flies in summer, T. pyogenes spreads in winter via environmental contamination and animal movement in bedding. ■ Peptostreptococcus indolicus Commonly found alongside T. pyogenes, forming the classic ‘summer mastitis complex’. It is synergistic with other pathogens, so contributes to the thick, sticky and persistent infections that are characteristic of winter mastitis. ■ Streptococci and staphylococci species Less aggressive but are still

Spotting winter mastitis can be difficult when the cows are dry.

She says: “As veterinary surgeons, our focus is on helping farmers recognise the signs, understand the main causative agents, and strengthen prevention strategies to reduce cases year after year.”

Loss Ms Greaves says winter mastitis is a challenging disease that costs the dairy sector in lost milk, lost

quarters, veterinary intervention, and occasionally culled animals. However, with rigorous bedding management, effective dry-off protocols, and early detection, she says farmers can significantly reduce the incidence. She says: “Winter mastitis may be a perennial problem, but with the right systems in place, its impact can be greatly reduced.”

Emma Greaves capable of causing winter mastitis, particularly in poorly bedded or overcrowded areas. Many cases are mixed infections, making them harder to treat and more destructive to the quarter. ■ Anaerobic bacteria (Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacteroides spp.) These thrive in deep, damp bedding, increase the severity of infection and are often responsible for chronic abscessation, says Ms Greaves.

Top tips

Winter mastitis may be a perennial problem, but with the right systems in place, its impact can be greatly reduced

■ Bedding: Make sure bedding is dry, generous and topped up frequently ■ Structured dry-off protocol: Use sealants carefully and cleanly ■ Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd dry cows ■ Teats: Look after teat ends ■ Udders: Run your hands over the udders weekly – a 30-second check could save the quarter

EMMA GREAVES

Main risk factors for winter mastitis HOUSING CONDITIONS Wet, deep and compacted bedding (especially straw or sawdust) is a major driver of winter mastitis, says Emma Greaves, of Stapeley Veterinary Practice, Shropshire. She explains that long periods of lying increase teat-end exposure, and straw

that looks dry on top can often be damp underneath. TEAT CONDITION Chapped or damaged teats due to cold weather allow bacteria to penetrate more easily, and Ms Greaves says cold and damp weather can also predispose cows to teat-end dryness and cracking.

DRY-OFF MANAGEMENT Incomplete dry-offs, poor-quality teat sealant applications and dry cows in contaminated or overcrowded pens, are all risk factors of winter mastitis in the dry period. HOW TO SPOT A CASE EARLY ■ A quarter that is suddenly swollen, hot, hard or painful

■ Thick, yellow, green or foul-smelling gunk ■ A cow that is off its feed, head down, or is just ‘not right’ ■ Skin on the udder turning dark or thickened Ms Greaves says: “Catching it early makes a big difference — but it can be hard when cows are dry.”

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17 18/12/2025 10:58 am

Youngstock Dr Jim Quigley, a US-based calf and heifer expert, offers his perspective after reviewing worldwide studies looking into best practice for calf colostrum handling and feeding. Wendy Short finds out more.

Exploring latest research into colostrum handling

here is still some way to go before colostrum management routines reflect the latest research results, says Dr Jim Quigley, an expert on the well-being of calves. Colostrum collection is one example. Dr Quigley says: “Within hours of calving, shifts in the cow’s hormones cause a dilution of colostrum, so any delays in collection will risk a decline in quality. “Research has shown no major loss in its protective effect for six to eight hours after the birth, but it can be reduced by one third after 12 hours. Therefore, the clock is ticking for collection and also

for preservation. It must also be cooled rapidly, preferably using a cold-water bath. Otherwise there is a risk of not only quality losses, but also the multiplication of harmful pathogens. “After studying global research results, my personal recommendation is for colostrum to be harvested through the use of a portable milking machine. Units without the equipment could use a scrupulously clean bucket as an alternative.” The next step is testing the colostrum with a Brix refractometer to measure the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content, which represents the antibody concentration for passive transfer.

High-value heifer calves will require a 21-22% Brix quality standard, he says. Samples falling below this figure could be fed over the following two or three days for extra protection or offered to the beef calf group, if applicable.

Pasteurisation Colostrum pasteurisation is the industry ‘gold standard’, he says. “It is the most effective method. Research results are extremely precise, and the machine should be set at 60°C to run for 60 minutes. Higher temperatures can lead to the degradation of valuable proteins, which are heat-sensitive.” His favoured option is to freeze

colostrum in individual two- to four-litre storage bags, with the containers dated and ideally marked to show the quality percentage. If colostrum is to be refrigerated, 12 hours should be the maximum storage period. He says: “Frozen colostrum offers flexibility because it gives the producer the choice of saving the very best-quality colostrum for feeding to the maximum number of calves. “An eight-month period should be the maximum for frozen storage, according to experimental data. Beyond that will risk about a 10% reduction in the original IgG concentration. The time span is shorter

PICTURE: NIGEL GOLDSMITH

Colostrum is tested with a Brix refractometer, to measure the immunoglobulin content.

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Youngstock Units without the equipment could use a scrupulously clean bucket as an alternative DR JIM QUIGLEY for small freezer units integrated into a domestic refrigerator, as some models operate a freeze/thaw cycle that limits their effectiveness. “Storage timing is particularly relevant on units that adopt a seasonal calving pattern with a tight calving block.” Colostrum bags must be fully sealed to ensure they are airtight. “Faulty sealing can cause ‘freezer burn’, with the exposed areas

drying out. This is an aspect that has not been studied in depth, but it is fair to assume that it does not represent good practice. It may have a negative effect on the integrity of biologically active molecules such as IgG, as it has been proven that this type of oxidation is not optimal for maintaining the stability of bioactive molecules.” Freezers should be monitored on a regular basis.

Dr Quigley says: “Freezers vary widely and their performance will decline with age. They must maintain a consistent inside temperature of -18°C or lower. A freezer thermometer should be used for periodical testing, and it should have the capability for registering at least -20°C. “If it is sited in a location exposed to wide temperature fluctuations, it means additional checks will be necessary to make sure it maintains the target figure in hot weather.” Rapid thawing and achieving an accurate temperature at the point of feeding are equally critical. “Pasteurisation machines will usually be able to handle thawing and reheating, but the easiest and cheapest alternative is to use a large bucket of water heated by a submersible unit. To remove guesswork, a couple of experiments to calculate how long the process takes will give an estimated time for thawing and for bringing it up to the target 40°C temperature.

“In terms of technological advances, some systems will give advance warning of the cow’s labour and the chance to start the colostrum thawing procedure. It will depend on staff availability, but it can mean that most calves will receive their colostrum within the first hour or so.”

Review A regular best practice review of colostrum handling is beneficial, along with clear communication to the team. “A large poster detailing the protocol should be prominently displayed in the relevant area, along with cleaning practices for the equipment,” says Dr Quigley. “Correct colostrum management is vital for minimising calf disease, but research has also highlighted its long-term implications on productivity and longevity when the calf joins the herd. “Its impact on farm profitability cannot be overstated.”

Calf Jackets With the use of calf jackets you can make significant savings on feed, medication and bedding costs, by better conversion of energy to growth rather than warmth and reduce the risk of pneumonia and scours from chills and draughts.

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Price: £22.00+VAT.

JANUARY 2026

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19/12/2025 13:36

World Dairying

ilking cows near the front line of the war in Ukraine is a daily challenge and one the staff at Ponory LLC Farm hope will end soon. Despite the ongoing war, the owners say it is business as usual at the farm, which is located in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine, and plans are in place to build a new 1,000-cow unit once the fighting stops. Built back in Soviet times, Ponory LLC Farm was taken over by Volodymyr Sysa in 2012. Back then, the farm had 273 cows with yields of about 4,500kg per cow per year. Mr Sysa says: “Today, we operate two farms in two different villages: the older one with tie-stall housing; and a newer one, which was taken on on the eve of the Russian full-scale invasion, and we started restoring that site for loose housing in 2023.” On the first tie-stall farm there are about 850 cattle, including 400 milking cows. The second farm is home to

A dairy farmer in Ukraine is planning to build a new 1,000-cow unit once the war ends. Chris McCullough finds out more.

Big plans for the future on Ukrainian dairy farm slightly more than 200 cattle. All cows are milked three times a day, averaging 13,066kg per cow per year at 3.2% protein and 3.6% fat, supplying 22 tonnes of milk for processing each day. According to the Milk Records of Ukraine 2024 rating conducted by the Association of Milk Producers, the farm ranked sixth in the top 20 most productive dairy farms in the country.

Mr Sysa says: “We do not buy in heifers, instead we ‘Holsteinised’ the herd and built it up using our own replacement heifers.”

Housing Cow are housed and fed indoors on a total mixed ration. At the tie-stall site, cows are kept in two cow sheds, each holding 196 head. While Mr Sysa says little has fundamentally changed at the farm

Farm facts ■ Home-grown crops are fed alongside purchased feeds including sunflower meal, soyabean and rapeseed cake, bran, raw brewers grains, beet pulp, molasses, and feed additives ■ The biggest investments have been in cow comfort technologies, such as the ventilation system in the tie-stall barns ■ The 76kW electric boilers were replaced with a solid-fuel boiler, saving up to 70kW, and the investment repaid in seven months

since Soviet times, a new milk line has been installed and the building infrastructure has been updated with the installation of positive-pressure tube ventilation. Mr Sysa says loose housing was the best option for the new site. He adds: “Work on the new farm was completed in 2023, with the milking herd now numbering nearly 100. “The 96 milking cows are housed

Cows in the modern barn are milked in a DeLaval herringbone parlour, purchased second-hand.

The more modern farm keeps cows in loose housing with higher animal comfort. Inset: Volodymyr Sysa.

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World Dairying

Holstein genetics are used throughout the herd via artificial insemination and sexed semen.

in maximum comfort. They have a wide feed and manure alley, comfortable stalls, and two drinkers installed for every group of 24 cows.” The same ration is fed at both sites, but Mr Sysa says the difference in milk production is noticeable. “The cows in the loose housing produce 1.5 to two litres more per cow per day, resulting in an average daily yield of 43-44 litres,” he says. Having enough workers on the two farms is another challenge for Mr Sysa. Six staff look after the cows at the loose housing farm, while 14 milk-

ers are employed at the tie-stall farm, with another six looking after the youngstock.

Market Mr Sysa says the milk price and cost of production varies month to month and is sensitive to market and war conditions. He adds: “During 2025, our farmgate price fluctuated from €34/kg to €40/kg, which is approximately 35% lower than the average milk price in the EU. Our milk is sold to Danon, located 400km from our farm.” In total, Ponory LLC Farm owns

1,000 hectares (2,471 acres), used to grow corn, winter rye, sunflowers, wheat, soyabeans, and hay. Mr Sysa says: “We grow 700ha of corn, up to 200ha of silage, up to 200ha of wheat, 60ha of soyabeans, and 150ha of winter rye for silage.” Mr Sysa says he has big plans for the future once the war with Russia has ended, which means expanding to 1,000 cows. “We would like to build a new cow shed for 1,000 head. Given our land bank of 1,000ha, it is entirely realistic to maintain a milking herd of that size,” he says.

“The two reconstructed cow sheds could then be used for early and late dry cows, the maternity ward, and fresh cows. “At the tie-housing facility, one half of the production site – where two cow sheds are located – will remain unchanged, and the second half is being intensively developed for replacement heifers. “We are taking small steps now and we are changing the existing facilities with a view to the ultimate goal of milking a herd of 1,000 cows.”

Don’t let poor bedding put your herd at risk. Choose Envirex+ Bedding Powder for cleaner stalls, healthier animals, and peace of mind. Disinfectants are regulatory biocides. Use biocides safely. Before use read the label and product information.

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19/12/2025 11:39

Breeding Bull Proofs The latest dairy bull proofs have been released by AHDB. Dairy Farmer reports.

UK-bred Coyote leads the pack

K-born and bred DeNovo Coyote P leads the pack in AHDB’s December genetic evaluations for young genomic Holstein sires. This new entry bull, a son of Klassic P, is predicted to transmit an exceptional weight and percentage of fat (62.2kg and +0.30%) and has a HealthyCow index of £157. This helps earn Coyote a Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) of £871 and underlines

DeNovo Coyote P, which topped AHDB’s December genetic evaluations.

the role of the UK breeding nucleus within the DeNovo programme, operated by Genus ABS. He is one of two UK-bred bulls from the programme in the top 10 and five in the top 30.

Second Climbing into second place is Badger Siemers Day Trip, a Sheepster son with a £PLI of £870, thanks to a daughter lifespan score of +180 days and good figures for maintenance (-22) and somatic cell count (-20).

In third place, Progenesis Preston, also by Sheepster, moves up with a £PLI of £867, offering impressive protein transmission at 41.7kg. Up one position since August to fourth place is DeNovo 20723

NEW GENOMIC JERSEY LIST HIGHLIGHTS YOUNG SIRES ALL appears to have changed among Jersey sires in the December AHDB rankings, but this reflects a switch of focus to young bulls with genomic indexes, which are now widely used by UK farmers. Dominating this genomic list – as they do among proven sires – are the Scandinavian countries, which take all of the top five (and nine of the top 10) positions when ranked on Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI). In the lead is VJ Outrup Luxplus Leander (£468), which

offers the highest EnviroCow score in the rankings (2.8) alongside excellent production figures (260kg milk, 44.2kg fat plus protein). Across the Ayrshire breed there is very little change in position among proven sires since the summer proof run with number one spot retained by VR Wehmais Vimo Vehmaa (£545).

Stability Similar stability exists in the Friesian breed ranking for proven sires, with Bloemplaat Hoeve

Ewoud (£298), climbing one place to claim the top spot. Ewoud continues to impress with strong fat and protein yields (12.6kg fat, 10.6kg protein), excellent somatic cell count (–12), and a high daughter Fertility Index of 6.9. The Friesian genomic young sire rankings see Goonhilly Coverack (£332) retain top spot, leading the list for milk quality (0.15% fat, 0.12% protein) while offering excellent fertility (4.1) and solid overall health (HealthyCow £155).

Columbia, a high-ranking son of Leeds with a £PLI of £864, excelling in milk yield at 1,140kg and boasting a Feed Advantage (FAdv) of 240kg. This means Columbia daughters are expected to consume 240kg less dry matter in each lactation than daughters of a bull transmitting comparable milk production which has a FAdv of zero. Adaway Beyond Fitness ranks fifth (£862) and lives up to his name with a high daughter Fertility Index of +10 and a HealthyCow of £205. Marco Winters, head of animal genetics, AHDB, says: “All top bulls in this young sire ranking are predicted to transmit improved feed maintenance thanks to smaller body sizes – a highly desirable trait that reduces feed costs and contributes to a lower carbon footprint.”

TOP FIVE HOLSTEIN BULLS RANKED ON £PLI Rank £PLI Bull name Milk (kg) Fat (kg) Pr (kg) Scc 1 871 DeNovo Coyote P 859 62.2 32.6 -11 2 870 Badger Siemers Day Trip 982 48.2 32.8 -20 3 867 Progenesis Preston 978 55.9 41.7 -9 4 864 DeNovo 20723 Columbia 1,140 48.8 41.1 -14 5 862 Adaway Beyond Fitness 822 45.7 35.3 -5

LS FI Feed Adv Env Cow TM Sire x maternal grandsire 128 5.4 209 4.7 0.76 Klassic P x Benefit 180 6.4 221 4.6 -0.4 Sheepster x Upside 88 173 4.6 0.93 Sheepster x Jalapeno 101 1.8 240 4.6 0.83 Leeds x Lift Off 146 10 159 4.4 1.08 Sheepster x Parsly

SOURCE: AHDB

Supplier GEN WWS SMX GEN SMX

GEN = GENUS ABS; WWS= WORLD WIDE SIRES UK; SMX=SEMEX; PLI=PROFITABLE LIFETIME INDEX; SCC+ SOMATIC CELL COUNT; LS=LIFESPAN; FI= FERTILITY INDEX; FEED ADV= FEED ADVANTAGE; ENV COW=ENVIROCOW; TM= TYPE MERIT

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18/12/2025 11:15

Breeding Bull Proofs

n improvement in OCD Trooper Sheepster’s Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) to £783 reflects increases in predicted transmitting abilities for fat (now 52.7kg) and the lifespan of daughters, which are expected to live 110 days longer than average. The bull’s sons are showing similar promise as Sheepster is sire of three bulls in the top 10 of the new young sire genomic ranking. Peak AltaSeverus remains firmly in second place, excelling for daughter fertility (+12.7) and udder health with -20 somatic cell count (SCC) and -2 mastitis. Peak Powerhouse, a new entrant in third position, has a PLI of £746, the highest milk transmission in the top 10 (1,067kg), and the bull delivers extreme protein (43.4kg). In fourth place, SDG-PH Delux Dominance combines high fat (51.2kg, +0.21%) with a PLI of £744, making this bull a good choice for herds looking to increase milk solids production. Climbing to fifth at £710 PLI, Plain-Knoll Renegad Trooper stands out as one of the breed’s top lifespan bulls at +171 days. Graduating in sixth position, OCD Deluxe T Rex (£704 PLI) demonstrates excellent SCC figures (-17) and strong calf survival (+2.5), offering robustness from day one. The well-known Genosource Captain, now backed by 2,794 UK milking daughters, among thousands more worldwide, is seventh and Winstar Graziano climbs two places to eighth (PLI £694).

OCD Trooper Sheepster holds lead in daughter-proven Holstein sires ranking. Dairy Farmer reports.

Top butterfat from leading Holstein sire Completing the top 10 are Peak AltaSolace (PLI £683) with exceptional udder health (-32 SCC); Wilra SSI Faneca Ebersol, a former genomic leader in 2022, confirms his early promise with a PLI of £680. Marco Winters, head of animal genetics, AHDB, says: “A steady introduction of newcomers with each proof run is exactly as it should be – not only adding interest to the rankings, but also reinforcing the success of the genomic testing programmes from which they have graduated.”

OCD Trooper Sheepster

SPRING CALVING INDEX BRINGS CHOICE ACROSS BREEDS WITH most autumn calving herds well through genetic selection, if not their inseminations, attention turns to the breeding months ahead for spring calving herds. Those using the recommended Spring Calving Index (£SCI) will find plenty of choice across the Jersey and black and white breeds. Jerseys fair particularly well, with VJ Outrup Luxi Luplus leading the way, ahead of the former frontrunner. With an SCI of £606, it

combines exceptional daughter maintenance with extended lifespan. The Holstein bull Peak AltaSeverus (SCI £596), drops to second, but remains a leader for weight of milk, fat and protein. Holding firm in third, DeNovo Invictus (SCI £589) continues to impress with low cell counts and outstanding fertility in its daughters. With 3,163 now milking in the UK, Invictus offers proven reliability across many herds.

In the Autumn Calving Index (£ACI) ranking, Peak AltaSeverus retains the top spot, with an ACI of £736, combining exceptionally healthy daughters with high milk and solids production. New graduate Peak AltaSolace – a bull that also fares well for PLI and SCI – enters the ACI ranking in second position (ACI £686). Offering excellent fertility and SCC improvement, this is a standout bull for health-focused breeding.

SOURCE: AHDB

TOP 10 DAUGHTER-PROVEN HOLSTEIN BULLS RANKED ON £PLI Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

£PLI 783 764 746 744 710 704 696 694 683 680

Bull name OCD Trooper Sheepstar Peak AltaSeverus Peak Powerhouse SDG-PH Delux Dominance Plain-Knoll Renegad Trooper OCD Deluxe T-Rex Genosource Captain Winstar Graziano Peak AltaSolace Wilbra SSI Faneca Ebersol

Milk (kg) 918 627 1067 795 720 736 997 414 394 607

Fat (kg) 52.7 37.4 48.6 51.2 41.2 45.1 43.6 45.7 30 37.5

Ptn (kg) 36.4 32.2 43.4 33 30.4 29 32.6 25.7 25.6 22.2

SCC -8 -20 3 -3 4 -17 6 -24 -32 -25

LS 110 122 76 79 171 85 73 82 104 76

FI 2.7 12.7 -3 4 6 3.3 3.2 2.7 13 6.8

Feed Adv 119 125 96 136 21 88 256 141 18 186

Env Cow 4.1 3.8 4 3.8 3.6 3.3 3.9 3.6 2.8 3.2

TM 1.07 -2.64 -0.49 0.34 1.75 0.89 1.52 -0.39 -1.24 -0.37

Supplier GB/NI WWS ALT UKD/AIS CBL WWS WWS CBL SMX AIS WWS

AIS = AI SERVICES; ALT = ALTA GENETICS; CBL= COGENT BREEDING; SMX = SEMEX; UKD = UK SIRES DIRECT; WWS = WORLD WIDE SIRES; £PLI = PROFITABLE LIFETIME INDEX; SCC = SOMATIC CELL COUNT; LS = LIFESPAN; FI = FERTILITY INDEX; FEED ADV = FEED ADVANTAGE; ENV COW = ENVIROCOW; TM = TYPE MERIT.

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JANUARY 2025 19/12/2025 11:11

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World Dairying Report Kenya was host to this year’s International Federation of Agricultural Journalists World Congress, where Katie Fallon got an insight into the country’s dairy sector.

Smallholders are backbone of Kenya’s dairy sector

he leading dairy industry in East Africa, the Kenyan dairy sector, currently produces an average of 5.2 billion litres of milk each year. While there are some large dairy herds milking between 40 and 50 cows, the majority of milk is produced by smallholder farmers, accounting for 80% of the country’s total milk production. On average, a smallholder dairy farm will comprise two to three hectares (five to seven acres) of land and two to three dairy cows, averaging between five and eight litres per cow per day. Most dairy farms run an extensive, or pastoral, system – a traditional approach where cows graze freely, often on communal lands. And while the sector may be ahead of its East African neighbours, a growing population and an increased demand for animal products means that Kenya’s milk production needs to more than double

over the next five years, to meet rising demands. To try to achieve this, the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is helping to provide smallholder farmers with access to education and technology, to show what can be achieved through improved genetics and better forage utilisation. On a recent visit to KALRO’s Dairy Research Institute in Naivasha, Kenya, as part of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists World Congress, research scientist David Mbugua discussed the institute’s latest project work in improving animal genetics to increase productivity.

Breeds While popular dairy breeds such as the Holstein and Jersey are present in Kenya, most smallholder farmers keep the Sahiwal breed; a dualpurpose cow commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions. Originally from India and

Forage type sweet potato vines are fed with maize silage during the dry season on smallholdings in Kenya.

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While there are some dairy herds of up to 50 animals, most milk in Kenya is produced by smallholders with two to three cows.

Pakistan, the breed has been present in Kenya for about 40 years and performs well in the Kenyan climate, with good growth rates and drought resilience. However, to boost productivity, KALRO has recently completed a breeding programme, cross-breeding the Sahiwal and Holstein cow. Mr Mbugua said: “We have crossed the genetics that we have in the Holstein, in terms of high milk production and the docility, and the hardiness of the Sahiwal, to come up with a dual-purpose animal that we call the Holstein Friesian Sahiwal cross. “If the cross is put on to a forage-based system with very little concentrate use, it compares well to the Holstein Friesian.” Mr Mbugua said the Holstein

Friesian Sahiwal cross is now in high demand across the country, with average milk yields of 18 litres per cow, per day being reported. He said: “We are looking at multiplying these animals so we have a critical mass, which we can give to the areas that require this kind of animal.”

Empowerment Mr Mbugua explained that many of the cross-bred cattle are being provided to agricultural communities as part of empowerment programmes and dairy co-operatives. As well as improving genetics, KALRO is also teaching farmers to manage and use forage crops, to increase milk production and household income. Due to Kenya’s proximity to the

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:48

Report World Dairying

Most farmers keep the dual-purpose Sahiwal breed of cattle.

equator, it experiences a wet and a dry season each year. Traditionally during the dry season, cattle are left to graze what little forage is available. Bomas Rhodes grass is commonly used to make hay, but making silage is a relatively new concept to most farmers.

Mr Mbugua said: “In Kenya we have a feed deficit situation. “When you look at the potential of our national feed production versus the requirement nutritionally, there is a deficit. We are looking at how best to fill this deficit of around 30 million metric tonnes of feed a year.”

Sahiwal Holstein crosses are being introduced to boost production.

Additionally, concentrate use in the country is minimal because of high costs and competition for cereal crops. Due to maize being a staple food source for the Kenyan people, both human and livestock populations are competing for the crop. Mr Mbugua said: “In this country,

they say that maize is food and all of the others are snacks. Therefore, there is a lot of competition with animals for cereals. “People see maize as a very important crop for nutrition. “But what we are trying to encourage is that, if the price for milk is

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World Dairying Report

Leucaena, a multi-purpose tree, is used for fencing and firewood but can also be grazed by cattle.

good, we can use the maize for feed in the form of silage, to feed cows in the dry season when the price of milk is very high.” Mr Mbugua explained that during the wet season when there is sufficient rainfall and sufficient fodder, milk yields are high, and milk price goes down. Whereas, during the dry season as feed availability is lower, the milk price is higher. He said: “So we are trying to encourage farmers to use maize as a source of feed for the dry season; so they can produce more milk, more revenue and buy one or two bags of maize competitively for the household during that season.” Recognising that poor forage utilisation is limiting milk production, KALRO set up a demonstration unit across a 0.85ha (two-acre) plot, which is representative of the average smallholder system. The unit includes forage trial plots

The zero grazing unit at KALRO’s Dairy Research Institute which is representative of many smallholder dairy systems.

on a rain-fed irrigation system and a zero-grazing unit comprising six dairy cows, to show farmers what they can achieve by adopting a more intensive system. Joyce Ibiro, demonstration unit manager, said: “The unit is to show farmers that this is the stocking rate you can carry if you are depending on rainfall.” The milking animals do not graze, but are kept in stalls, with forage cut and fed to them in feed bunkers. Milking takes place twice a day, where the cattle are milked in stalls using an individual milking machine. During the wet season, cattle are fed napia grass, one of the main forage sources in Kenya, which has a protein content of 7-10%. The napia grass is intercropped with desmodium, a legume crop with a protein content of 16-18%, and alfalfa, also known as lucerne, which is cut, then wilted for one day, to minimise bloat issues in livestock.

The individual milking machine is used to milk the cows in stalls, twice a day at KALRO’s zero grazing unit.

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Mr Mbugua said: “We have seen that by feeding napia grass, cut at one metre high, you can produce seven litres per cow per day. “For farmers who want to go beyond the seven litres, we need to bring in another fodder that can be intercropped with the napia grass.” During the dry season when there is insufficient napia grass and desmodium available, maize silage is mixed with forage-type sweet potato vines, to stabilise milk production.

Promising Mr Mbugua said: “When you use forages that are more promising in terms of quality and yield, that can be used as an intercrop, we have seen milk production can improve.” Ms Ibiro explained they are also teaching farmers that they can graze their cattle on leucaena, a multipurpose tree which has a protein content of 23%. She adds: “Most farmers already

use it as a live fence and a source of firewood, but we are encouraging them to also use it as a source of fodder.” Mr Mbugua said this knowledge exchange and innovation surrounding forage utilisation has been introduced into some of the farming communities through agricultural co-operatives, which has since led to an increase in milk production. He said: “One of the challenges we noticed was access to mechanisation and seeds, especially for legumes. “We are subsidising the cooperatives so they can give this to the farmers. “Our preliminary data shows there has been a 2-3 litre increase per cow per day, on the farms that have adopted this kind of forage-based technology.” “We are seeing that the [feed] deficiencies we see in the dry season are decreasing. That means we are having an impact.”

Chopped maize and sweet potato vines are fed to the cattle in the unit when there is insufficient napia grass in the dry season.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:49

The Agricultural Event of The Year - Now Bigger LAMMA returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 14-15 January 2026. This not to be missed event will be co-located with CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture, to create an unparalleled forum for the agricultural sector to learn and grow, together. Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry. Scan the QR code or visit lammashow.co.uk

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15/12/2025 11:18:42 18/12/2025 11:17

Animal Health Following one of the driest growing seasons in decades for many farmers, forage shortfalls combined with the relative value of cereals could significantly challenge rumen stability this winter. Dairy Farmer reports.

Why rumen health will shape dairy performance this winter

uch of the UK experienced its driest six-month period since 1976, before autumn rains boosted back-end growth. The impact on silage availability and quality is now evident in forage analyses and available stocks on many farms. While some regions fared well where rainfall was sufficient, many

farms are facing higher-fibre, lower-energy silages this winter and having to feed reserves in the dry period. Kevin Doyle, technical manager at Phileo UK and Ireland, says: “National data shows slightly higher neutral detergent fibre [NDF] and reduced fermentable energy compared to last year. “In practice, this could mean herds producing about 0.3 litres less

Kevin Doyle

milk per cow per day from the same forage base.” Compounding the challenge, the closure of two UK bioethanol plants has sharply reduced the supply of distillers’ grains.

Cereals “To maintain energy levels, many rations will depend more heavily on cereals this winter, which offer excellent relative value, with safer fibre

sources such as beet pulp and wheatfeed in shorter supply and at a premium,” says Mr Doyle. He adds that change to winter rations often means the rumen microbiome faces disruption, especially when cows move off pasture or new silage clamps are introduced. He says: “Each diet demands a different microbial balance to digest feed efficiently. Rapid changes upset this balance, which can

PICTURE: JOHN EVESON

The key to success is ensuring the diet is formulated properly using accurate forage analysis, says Kevin Doyle of Phileo UK and Ireland.

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JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 14:19

Animal Health Sub-acute rumen acidosis early warning signs ■ Sudden drops in butterfat (up to 0.3% within a few days) ■ Loose, bubbly dung with visible fibre ■ Low cudding rates – less than

60–65% chewing the cud by midday ■ Poor rumen fill or reduced dry matter intake ■ Butterfat-to-protein ratio falling below 1.2:1

compromise rumen stability and fibre digestion.” Key to success is to ensure the diet is formulated properly using accurate forage analysis and that it remains consistent, with changes in silages being introduced gradually. Mr Doyle says fibre, starch and sugars should remain in balance, while being mindful that starch sources degrade at different rates. Cereal starches from maize, barley and wheat ferment quickly, producing an excellent supply of the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) essential for milk production while balancing less-digestible feed stuffs. However, Mr Doyle adds rapid fermentation leads to a build-up of VFAs and lactic acid, plus a drop in rumen pH. Lower forage intakes and less saliva from reduced chewing further weakens the rumen’s buffering capacity, raising the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA). Once established, SARA reduces fibre digestibility and energy supply.

abomasum and fertility problems. As the rumen environment deteriorates, endotoxin levels rise, contributing to inflammation. “Not only can this weaken immunity and cause damage to structures like the liver, hoof, and udder, but it is also extremely energy intensive and draws on nutrients that would otherwise be used for milk production, fertility, etc. The more acidic environment can also depress milk butterfats, critical in a landscape of falling milk prices as farmers look to protect revenue,” says Mr Doyle. “Higher cereal inclusion may be unavoidable this winter, but there are proven ways to protect rumen health. This season, rumen management will be the cornerstone of efficient production. By supporting fibre digestion and maintaining a stable rumen, farmers can reduce the risk of SARA and extract more from every bite of feed.” To ensure digestion is occurring efficiently, Mr Doyle says it is essential to provide an environment where the microbes responsible for breaking down fibre and converting lactate can thrive. Feeding a live yeast probiotic stimulates the growth of these microbes, while also stabilising rumen pH through biological buffering. Mr Doyle says research from the University of Nottingham found that feeding the live yeast probiotic Actisaf improved NDF digestibility by more than 6% and increased energy-corrected milk by 2.8kg/day from the same dry matter intake without compromising body condition or fertility. “This winter will test rumen function, but with the right support cows can keep performing at their best. Focus on stability, back your microbes, and you will get more from every kg of feed,” says Mr Doyle.

Rumen pH Mr Doyle says: “Keeping rumen pH above 6.0 is vital. Below this, fibredigesting microbes die off, acid-producing ones multiply and rumen function quickly declines. At a pH of 6.4, microbes digest about 55% of fibre; at 5.6, this falls to roughly 35%. That is a major loss of available nutrients and feed efficiency.” SARA also increases gut permeability, allowing microbes and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the cow. Mr Doyle says recent research shows mastitis-like symptoms developing because of SARA. Freshly calved cows are particularly vulnerable, as reduced feed intake worsens negative energy balance and increases the risk of ketosis, displaced

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Maize Setting up an arrangement for a neighbouring arable grower to sow maize on contract could offer a good solution for some dairy units, and it has potential benefits for both parties. Wendy Short reports.

Outsourcing maize growing

ontracts for outsourcing maize growing will need to be carefully planned in advance, says Andrew Cook, product manager for maize seed breeder KWS. He says: “In the wake of a very dry 2025 season, grass shortages caused problems in many parts of the country. Competition to buy forage, including maize silage, meant prices per tonne rose accordingly, and compound feed bills will be increased on some units.

“Another possible advantage is linked to the drive for herd expansion in order to spread fixed costs, and land availability and prices are often limiting factors.”

Fresh focus Mr Cook says that from an arable grower perspective, a combination of poor yields and depressed commodity prices have brought fresh focus on improving productivity and profitability. He says: “The policy may be valued as a way to enhance cashflow.

In addition, maize makes an excellent break and is relatively straightforward in agronomic terms. It provides an ideal entry for a first wheat, and also has a role to play in combating grass weeds, as it is very competitive once up and away.” The first step towards establishing a business relationship with a neighbouring farmer is to bring in a suitably qualified professional to put together a contract to suit both parties, he says. Once the details have been thrashed out, varietal choice will be high on the agenda.

“Matching maize variety to geographical location and soil type is key to growing a successful maize crop,” says Mr Cook. “Other considerations are choosing a variety that will deliver on boosting milk yields and quality, as well as hitting the target 32-35% dry matter. “As a general rule, locations at relatively high altitudes with a heavy soil type and restricted heat unit availability will favour ultra-early or early maize varieties. These are usually classified with an FAO, or

For arable farmers, maize makes an excellent break crop.

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JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 9:05 am

Maize Matching maize variety to geographical location and soil type is key to growing a successful crop ANDREW COOK maturity rating, of 150 to 160/170. Ultra-earlies and earlies are also known as ‘short-season’ varieties, as they have the genetic capability to reach maturity in as little as 130 days. “By contrast, lowland areas with lighter soils, which tend to warm up quickly in the spring combined with a comparatively warm climate, will be suitable for the later-maturing maize varieties. They have an FAO of 170-plus and are known for their ability to produce high yields. “Due to rapid progress in maize plant breeding, the gap is closing between the yield figures for late-maturing varieties and their counterparts in the ultra-early and early segment, but late-maturing types are normally associated with bulk production. “This trait is not always a priority for maize silage for dairy cattle feed, however, as high starch content makes such a valuable contribution to a total mixed ration.”

Harvest Projected harvest date should be a major subject for discussion, and is also strongly linked to maize variety, adds Mr Cook. “The arable grower will generally want to follow maize with an autumn crop to fit into the rotation. Again, a lot will depend on farm situation, with early harvest potential requiring ultra-early and early varieties in more marginal situations,” he says. “I recommend taking expert advice on varietal choice, because location and land type can range widely. “For example, a Kent grower could produce very high yields from

late-maturing varieties. The lowland warms up in early season, allowing early April sowing and a September harvest. This strategy would not be feasible on heavier land in a colder region, where early-maturing types would be necessary to mitigate possible harvest difficulties.” Mr Cook stresses that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to the effect of any arrangement on support schemes. He says: “There is a huge disparity within the needs and restrictions that apply across individual farms. It is therefore important to have a clear understanding of the land owner’s objectives, which will need to be balanced without sacrificing the needs of the milk producer. There could be environmental schemes in place with specific restrictions on the way in which maize fits into the rotation. They must be borne in mind, as achieving equal mutual advantages for both parties should be the goal. “Decisions on outsourcing maize production will not impact the milk producer, but they could affect the arable grower’s business, so the subject should form part of the negotiation.” While the strategy may not suit every unit, he believes it is worth exploring. “Maize is more drought-resistant compared with grass, and it produces a high tonnage of good-quality feed per acre. Post-establishment, it will usually require minimal attention up to the point of harvest. A good crop of maize will fill the clamp and can act as an insurance policy in a tricky forage year,” says Mr Cook.

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18/12/2025 9:05 am

Maize

red by Limagrain and suitable for forage, anaerobic digesters (AD), or crimped maize production, Sunset – which was grown in the UK in limited quantities in 2025– is now available exclusively via ProCam on a wide-scale commercial basis. Hayley Wellings, technical seed specialist for ProCam in the UK, says: “We earmarked Sunset as a promising very early candidate three years ago. Since then, we have put it through a rigorous internal screening process at multiple UK

ProCam has announced the commercial launch of a new maize variety in the very early maturity sector. Dairy Farmer reports.

Sunset outshines other maize varieties locations to test its yield potential and agronomic capabilities, and to ensure it delivers a level of performance consistency that our customers can rely on.”

Feed value

Hayley Wellings

With an FAO rating of 160-170, a starch yield of 6.62 tonnes/hectare and an energy density of 11.57 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), Sunset produces a very early maturing crop with superb feed value. “This makes it the ideal choice for livestock farmers who are growing maize for forage or for crimping, and who want a crop that can

be harvested early in the season,” says Ms Wellings. “And with strong agronomic attributes, including ratings of 7.0 for standing power and early vigour, Sunset can be grown in a wide range of geographical locations, including in the West where wet and windy weather can put weaker varieties at risk of lodging. “It was grown in limited quantities in the UK in 2025, with those growers who tested it alongside their current first choice varieties achieving some excellent crop yields despite the year’s tricky growing conditions.” As well as being a good forage

and crimped maize option, Sunset is also an ideal choice for AD growers who are looking to spread the maturity of the varieties they are growing, but it is not suitable for the pet food grain market due to its anthocyanin content.

Moisture retention “Sunset performs particularly well on fertile land with a high organic matter content and the ability to retain moisture,” says Ms Wellings. “It has consistently performed well in trials, including in 2024 when it produced high yields of energy-rich material despite that

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Maize

The new variety is now available exclusively via ProCam on a widescale commercial basis.

summer’s cloudy conditions. It also produced excellent yields in 2025 thanks to its tall plant height and dense growth habit, which allowed it to intercept plenty of the summer’s abundant sunshine.” In addition to being grown by a small number of farmers in 2025, Sunset was also tested at 14 ProCam demonstration sites. Ms Wellings says: “This included two fully replicated trials, where the dry and hot weather really pushed

varieties to their limits. Thanks to its excellent early vigour, Sunset was able to get up and established quicker than its less vigorous counterparts. “As a result, Sunset had grown further through its growth stages before the lack of rainfall became a limiting factor, and as such produced some impressive yield and energy results, outshining many other varieties with a similar maturity classification.”

Sunset was tested at 14 ProCam demonstration sites.

SOURCE: DATA TAKEN FROM BSPB/NIAB NL/DL TRIALS

SUNSET: AGRONOMIC RATINGS AND YIELD DATA FAO 160-170* Early vigour 7.0 Standing power 7.0 Leaf senescence 6.5 Cell wall digestibility 56.4 Dry matter (DM) yield 18.7 tonnes DM/hectare Starch content 35.4% Starch yield 6.62t/ha Energy content 11.57 Metabolisable Energy (ME) (Megajoules/g DM) Energy yield 216 Gigajoules ME/ha *Breeder/Field Options estimate

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Maize Farming on the North Wessex Downs, Hamish McIntosh has always tried to maximise the contribution maize makes to his milking ration. Dairy Farmer reports.

Breeding underpins role of maize in milk production

oil types vary across Hardwell Farm, near Knighton, Oxfordshire, where Hamish McIntosh runs a 400-cow milking herd alongside 80 hectares (200 acres) of arable cropping and a similar acreage of grassland. Mr McIntosh explains that some of the soils are ‘challengingly heavy’, meaning that success has come with tailoring maize variety selection according to field conditions, as well as staying abreast of the latest developments in maize breeding, in order to continually improve output. In 2025, a year that proved challenging for many maize growers, the decision to grow one of the latest early maturing varieties to come on to the British Society of Plant Breeders/ Niab Descriptive List has certainly paid dividends. The herd at Hardwell Farm is conventionally managed, calving all year round, housed in the winter months and outside during the grazing season. In an area where bovine TB is a continual threat, as many heifers as possible are retained on the farm in a quest to maintain numbers.

Mixed ration The aim is to minimise parlour-fed concentrates and derive as much as possible from the mixed ration to support average yields of 9,000 litres/cow. Maize silage certainly plays a key part in Mr McIntosh’s strategy, comprising around half of the forage component. Around 80ha (200 acres) of maize is grown on the farm, fitting into a rotation with winter wheat and grass, and this year a quarter of

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Hamish McIntosh has a 400-cow milking herd at Hardwell Farm, Oxfordshire.

the acreage was given over to newly listed LG Highlight. Fraser House, a seed specialist with Nickerson, says: “It is a variety that has looked really promising in trials and fits perfectly with Hamish’s requirement for high dry matter [DM] yields, quality in the clamp, and a sufficiently early harvest to allow a following crop of winter wheat to be established. “LG Highlight will be one of the top new varieties for DM yield on the 2027 maize Descriptive Lists, and with an FAO rating of 170 it certainly has the earliness. “It also has high starch yields and strong agronomic characteristics.

Where farmers are looking for the combination of yield, quality and earliness, this is a variety that really hits the sweet spot.” It was grown alongside Prospect, also FAO 170, and the slightly later maturing Conclusion, both from the Limagrain Field Seeds UK breeding programme and having a proven track record on the farm. Mr House says: “Some of the land at Hardwell Farm is not the best for maize, so the policy is to grow what we think will perform in the particular circumstances. “Robust varieties with early vigour, good standing power and the necessary disease tolerance are what

is required, plus early maturity and high DM yields. Increasingly, we are seeing varieties that will deliver this full package, with the additional benefits of high cell wall digestibility that ensure farmers such as Hamish can rely on having a full clamp of energy-dense forage.”

Seedbed With so much rain falling throughout the winter and spring last year, Mr McIntosh had to work hard to create a suitable seedbed for his 2025 maize crop. All the maize ground is ploughed, with slurry and manure applied before and sometimes afterwards.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 9:02 am

Maize Around 80ha (200 acres) of maize is grown on the farm to be used in the mixed ration at about 50% of the forage.

Growing the right varieties is a good part of our success, as is being aware of the progress in maize breeding HAMISH MCINTOSH Mr McIntosh says: “The heavy rain seems to be becoming more common and it does not help our heavier ground. “We are increasingly needing to sub-soil and, on our heavier ground, we will normally need to power harrow before drilling. “We have our own maize drill, so we can be timely, going when the conditions are right.” Optimum drilling date is May 1 at Hardwell Farm and maize is drilled with DAP fertiliser down the spout and 125kg nitrogen/ha (50kg N/acre) on to the seedbed. Pre- and post-emergence herbicides maintain good weed control and, with that including a reduction in black-grass on the farm, offers a wider benefit of having maize in the rotation. “I am aware of the specialist

Harmony in the fielD, POWERIN THE CLAMP maize fertilisers and developments such as foliar sprays and we will keep a close eye on any ways to improve,” says Mr McIntosh. “But at the moment, our system seems to be working. Growing the right varieties is a good part of our success, as is being aware of the progress in maize breeding.” The maize at Hardwell Farm was harvested on September 20 and, while it was not the best year for maize generally, Mr McIntosh says he was happy to see the LG Highlight standing out. “It was our largest crop with big mature cobs, so it delivered what we wanted,” he says.

Green leaf “We probably cut a little earlier than some, because I like to see some green leaf in the clamp. “Overall, I am very happy with the performance of the maize, and it was off in good time to establish the winter wheat.” The maize will go into the ration at what Hamish considers the optimum level of around 50% of the forage, alongside grass silage, biscuit meal, a rape-soya meal and urea. With maize breeding progress providing earlier varieties that avoid any compromise on DM yield or forage quality, it is a crop that will continue to be of great value at Hardwell Farm, for both milk production and crop rotation.

JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p36 37 R KJ.indd 3

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18/12/2025 9:03 am

Dairy-Tech Preview Dairy-Tech 2026 will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, and will showcase cutting-edge technology, new products and expert speakers. Dairy Farmer takes a look at what visitors can expect to see at the event.

A look ahead to Dairy-Tech

Dairy–Tech 2026 will feature a range of experts and innovations for dairy farmers.

DAIRY HUB WILL TACKLE BIG ISSUES IF you want to stay up to date with the issues set to shape the UK dairy industry in 2026 and beyond, the Dairy Hub is the place to be at this year’s Dairy-Tech event. The Hub will deliver a full day of insight, practical guidance and debate on the challenges and opportunities facing producers, with a line-up of expert speakers and topical

40 NEW PRODUCTS

discussions tailored to today’s dairy businesses. This year’s Dairy Hub sessions will kick off with a market outlook from dairy market analyst and commentator Chris Walkland. He will explore the key factors influencing global and domestic milk prices, input costs and consumer behaviour. His session will help farmers understand what is driving the

A look at innovations being launched at the event

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44 GOLD CUP

market, where pressure points may lie and how to plan with greater confidence in the face of continuing uncertainty.

Investment Barclays will take a look at financial resilience, investment planning and the tools which are available to help farmers navigate short-term pressures. Other sessions include a

Meet this year’s competition finalists

Farmers Weekly Question Time, a panel on EID ahead of it becoming mandatory for English cattle farmers in 2027, and a look at recruitment. As hub sponsor, dairy consultancy Kite will round off the speaking sessions with an in-depth look at some of the major trends, cost drivers and opportunities facing dairy businesses in 2026.

48 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

A round-up of what else visitors can expect to see

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 16:01

DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF DAIRY WITH THE DAIRY-TECH INNOVATION HUB THE Innovation Hub will highlight the latest developments in technology, herd health, and farm management. Designed to provide practical takeaways for farmers, the hub will showcase a wide range of solutions that can be applied directly on-farm to improve productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability. Visitors to the hub can explore the newest herd health innovations, from advanced sensor technology and patented penside diagnostics, to software tools that help farmers monitor animal health and productivity more effectively.

Data This year’s programme also includes sessions on nutrition, feeding strategies and smarter ways to use data to inform on-farm decision-making. A highlight will be the live Wilson

and Ashley podcast, hosted by social media influencers Rebecca Wilson and Charlotte Ashley. They will be interviewing a panel of speakers presenting some of the most exciting new products on the market for farmers. These range from a cow toilet to the latest milking robots and a new virtual fencing technology straight from New Zealand that could be a game-changer for UK farmers. For the first time, Dairy-Tech will host a Canadian delegation of farmers, researchers and industry experts as part of the UK Agri-Tech programme. The delegates will present emerging technologies and trends from Canada, providing a unique international perspective, and they will be highlighting innovations which are shaping dairy farming abroad.

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preventative strategies rather than reactive treatment. Francis Burns, of Eko Hoofcare, says: “We want to highlight that prevention is better than cure. “The demonstrations are designed to give farmers technical insight into lameness and practical knowledge to implement preventative measures on their farms.” The team will demonstrate how to identify lesions, understand causes of lameness and apply best-practice foottrimming techniques. Advice will also cover footbathing best practice, environmental factors affecting lameness, and strategies for ongoing herd health.

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TWIN AUGER MIXER

- Up to 3.4 tonnes of maize and 2.2 tonnes of grass silage loaded per minute with the SPW Intense

HEALTHY FEET ZONE LAMENESS remains one of the most significant welfare and productivity challenges facing UK dairy farmers. At Dairy-Tech 2026, the Healthy Feet Zone returns, offering a practical, hands-on opportunity to learn how to prevent and treat this common issue. The zone will once again be run in collaboration with the National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers and Eko Hoofcare, bringing together experienced foot-trimmers and hoof care specialists to provide expert guidance. Attendees can see live demonstrations at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, covering both hoof-trimming and hoof care, with a focus on proactive,

SINGLE AUGER MIXER

co.uk

39 18/12/2025 16:01

Dairy-Tech Preview Many new products will be unveiled at this year’s Dairy-Tech at Stoneleigh Park on February 4. Katie Fallon takes a look at what will be on display.

New products set to be launched at Dairy-Tech VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR TODAY’S CLIMATE GALEBREAKER will launch a costeffective and easy-to-install roofing system, aimed at significantly improving ventilation in livestock buildings in today’s climate. The Vent Ridge is a replacement for the traditional cranked ridge tiles and fully closed ridges, which creates a protected open ridge that enhances natural airflow while preventing rain and snow ingress. Suitable for both new builds and existing buildings, the Vent Ridge provides the optimum exhaust area,

allowing warm, stale air to escape efficiently. Tailor-made baffles improve the upward flow of air and strengthen the draw through side inlets to maximise the natural ‘stack effect,’ resulting in better-ventilated housing for livestock. The system is said to be three to five times more efficient than a crowned or open ridge. The Vent Ridge will retail at £115 per linear metre. rMore information from galebreaker.com

AUTONOMOUS FEED PUSHER NEW to the UK, the EM Lizard from Euromilk is an autonomous feed pusher manufactured in Poland. Driven by brushless motors through planetary gears, the EM machine is a modular screw made of highly abrasion-resistant plastics. The unique patented design of the modular PUSH-up

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auger means that feed is not only moved towards the cows, but is also aerated. Moving around the barn with a reliable induction loop, the EM Lizard can be equipped with containers for two types of concentrated feed with a total capacity of 130 litres, and a dispenser for liquid additives with a capacity of 10 litres. The robot can move between sheds and independently control automatic doors. Safety is ensured by a two-way bumper at the front of the robot, which means the machine will stop if the front bumper touches anything. The robot is controlled via a smartphone and an optional handheld remote. The cost per unit is approximately £16,000, plus installation. rMore details will be available on Stand T41 at Dairy-Tech.

COWTOILET AIMS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS THE CowToilet from Hanskamp is being launched into the UK market, to offer farmers a way to reduce on-farm emissions by separating cow urine and faeces, thereby lowering ammonia emissions. Collecting urine directly from under the cow’s tail before it mixes with solid manure, the CowToilet integrates into a free-access outof-parlour feeding station which can be installed in most sheds. As a cow enters to eat, the CowToilet gently rubs against the suspensory ligament of the udder,

triggering a natural nerve reflex that encourages urination. The urine is then collected in a sealed receptacle, removed by suction and stored in an airtight tank. One CowToilet is advised per 25 to 30 cows at a cost of approximately £28,000 per unit. The CowToilet is currently being used on dairy farms in the Netherlands and will be available through dealers in the UK from 2026. rSee Stand B72 at Dairy-Tech for more, or hanskamp.com/en/ solutions/cowtoilet/

SEMEX LAUNCHES NEW GENETIC TOOL SEMEX will be launching its latest integrated genetic decision-making tool, myStrategy, at Dairy-Tech. Developed by Semex to drive genetic progress and increase profitability in dairies, the genetic strategy tool optimises breeding goals, female selection and inventory management. It combines business and science to ensure the right

number of dairy replacements are produced to fulfil the dairies’ needs, without sacrificing genetic gain. It uses genomic data to increase accuracy and generates the optimum strategy for the herd to maximise total net benefit. It will be available to farmers free of charge. rMore details will be available on Stand B108 or from semex.com/uk/

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 9:48 am

Preview Dairy-Tech ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PULSATOR PEARSON Milking Technology will be unveiling its Titan Pulsator, which is said to be a groundbreaking advancement in modern dairy farming. Providing more than a standard pulsator, the new

technology incorporates intelligent self-diagnostics, including artificial intelligencedriven acoustic monitoring, vacuum leak detection, and service interval tracking to identify potential issues before they become problems. The proactive technology reduces downtime, safeguards valuable assets, and protects overall herd health. Combining cutting-edge innovation with reliability and a farmer-focused design, the Titan Pulsator will help efficiency, cow care, and profitability on-farm. Price per unit is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be in line with competing base models currently available on the market. rMore details will be available from Stand B96 at Dairy-Tech.

NEW FOOTBATH SOLUTIONS VENTURE AUTOMATED footbath specialist Hoofcount will be unveiling its latest venture, Hoofcount Solutions, at Dairy-Tech. Focused on developing and supplying footbath liquid products, Hoofcount Solutions will include a special focus on nonformaldehyde and non-heavy metal chemical formulations. The first of the Hoofcount Solutions range to be launched is Sanihoof, a blend of acids and surfactants for effective hoof cleaning while maintaining a low pH footbath. The solution is said to be a user-friendly, cow-friendly and environmentally friendly product available at a lower cost than other organic acidic chemicals available on the market. Sanihoof is designed to be used four to five times a week, alongside other digital dermatitis

treatment chemicals to keep hooves cleaner and ensure other products are more effective. The product is also designed to break down in slurry and water for easy disposal. Sanihoof will be retailing at approximately £1.50/litre. rMore details will be available from Stand B142 at Dairy-Tech or at hoofcount.com

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain: As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment. The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients. Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/enuk/dribble-bar-systems

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

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41 18/12/2025 14:48

Dairy-Tech Preview A MORE AFFORDABLE MILK PASTEURISER

WATER-BASED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

SET to be launched at this year’s Dairy-Tech event, the Healthy Herd Pasteuriser is designed and manufactured in the UK to meet the needs of a growing number of farmers wanting to feed sustainable, home-produced, warm milk to calves. The simple and affordable system uses heat exchange technology to warm and/or pasteurise milk in any vessel from 100 litres up to 400 litres. The equipment can be used directly in an existing tank or milk cart, with the option of pasteurising or warming functions selected through simple push-button controls. Designed to help reduce transmission of diseases such as Johne’s or mycoplasma, the

UNTAP Health is launching a waterbased on-farm disease surveillance system to UK dairy operations. Using an automated sampler which sits in effluent tanks, drinker lines or processing water, the system takes timed micro-sips and running on-site qPCR every day. Results stream to a secure cloud dashboard within hours, turning invisible pathogen shedding into clear, actionable trends. Pathogen panels can be configured for species and risk profile, such as bovine TB, Johne’s and mastitis organisms, and instant alerts occur when levels rise. With the ability to provide early

pasteurisation of milk helps to reduce pathogens while retaining important antibodies. Where milk is already considered safe and ready to feed, the farmer can simply select the ‘warm up’ option as there is no need for pasteurisation. The equipment is easy to clean, with spares and services available through any Cotswold Dairy Engineering dealer throughout the UK and Ireland. With an estimated basic unit cost of approximately £9,000, the Health Herd Pasteuriser is thought to be 25% cheaper than other pasteurising machines currently available on the market. rMore details will be available at Stand B208 at Dairy-Tech or at Cotswold Dairy Equipment.

warnings up to days before clinical symptoms, it allows farms to tighten biosecurity, adapt ventilation and hygiene, and make more targeted decisions, to reduce disease impact, treatment costs and downtime. The Untap Health system is quickly installed and works alongside existing farm and biosecurity platforms. It is delivered as a full-service subscription, with hardware, testing, analytics and swap-out support included. Pricing is based on quotation and on an individual customer basis. rMore details will be available from Stand P166 at Dairy-Tech.

CLEANING SOLUTION REVIEWS BACTOSCAN AND SOMATIC CELL COUNT DATA OXI-TECH is adding a new integrated system to its Pulse Oxidation for Dairy (POd) system that allows farmers to review their herd’s bactoscan and somatic cell count data alongside parlour and clean-in-place (CIP) water quality. The technology energises cold water using low voltage electricity to create a clean, powerful disinfectant designed to replace chemicals to clean milking equipment, while reducing costs and improving unit sustainability. The POd NextGen will monitor the performance of a herd’s CIP and POd, and enable producers to see the quality of milk data alongside their CIP performance data in one single dashboard, for the first time. This will allow them to respond accordingly and stay ahead of any quality or hygiene issues. The new functionality will be made available as standard for new installs while current installations will be automatically upgraded to include the service. POd NextGen is currently in action on 12 farms

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NEW PROBIOTIC YEAST FOR RESILIENT CALVES

across the UK, Europe and the US. Price will vary depending on farm size, but the system is estimated to cost between £30,000 and £35,000, with an estimated return on investment of three to five years. rMore information from oxitechsolutions.com

PROTERNATIVE is Lallemand’s new probiotic yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079. Belonging to the boulardii variety of saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has more than 60 years of efficacy and research documentation related to gastrointestinal health, ProTernative is a proven probiotic, specific to the lower gut. The probiotic helps balance the gut microbiota, maintain epithelial integrity and support natural defences, helping calves to be more resilient to common challenges such as digestive, weaning and transport stress. ProTernative can legally be fed to all calves from birth to

approximately four months of age in Great Britain. It is available for inclusion in milk replacer formulas or supplements for addition to milk. The estimated cost of inclusion in milk replacers is approximately £10/tonne. rMore information from lallemandanimalnutrition.com/en/ united-kingdom-ireland/

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 9:49 am

Preview Dairy-Tech NEW PLATFORM IDENTIFIES HERD POTENTIAL

OPTIMISE PRODUCTION WITH CLEAN WATER INTEMAX is launching an advanced chemical solution with smart pumping technology and remote monitoring to ensure clean water in livestock systems. Alongside bespoke advice and on-farm support, Intermax’s water treatment service is suitable for both borehole and mains water systems. Using the cutting-edge Huwa-San TR50 stabilised Hydrogen Peroxide, the system provides dependable results in delivering clean water. It is odourless, tasteless, non-corrosive and effective against biofilm. The platinum support package

includes initial water testing, site survey and proposal, installation and set up, on-farm support and a 24/7 remote monitoring facility. The system is available to purchase at an upfront cost for the pump and installation fee, or as a chemical and pump agreement, where the pump is installed free of charge, with an agreement to buy chemical from Intemax for three years at a cost of £95/month. The chemical and pump agreement also includes site visits, water testing and pump services. rMore information from intemax.co.uk/water-treatment

ANTLER Bio will be showcasing its new EpiHerd platform to help dairy farmers identify and address factors limiting herd potential. Blending gene expression data with actionable insights, EpiHerd is said to unlock the herd’s genetic and functional capabilities. By RNA testing the blood of only 10% of the herd, the platform can measure more than 27,000 genes and more than 15,000 metabolic pathways to assess gene expression levels. Insights and action are then provided through the EpiHerd

platform to enable the genes to be reactivated. Farmers will receive a report with a range of broad and varied insights, tailored to their herd from the environment, handling, stress markers, disease resistance and inputs from feed and supplements, and more. The platform is already being used on more than 100 farms, including in the UK. While pricing is herd dependent, the platform comes with an estimated cost of 10 pence per head for testing per year. rMore information from antlerbio.com

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Dairy Tech Gold Cup Finalists Five finalists, selected by judges from all qualifying entries, are in the running for the 2025 NMR RABDF Gold Cup 2025. Dairy Farmer reports.

his is the second year running that the high-performance Holstein herd, managed by a team of five including Stephen and Ruth Ashley, with weekend relief workers, has made the final round. Cows are housed year-round on the 162-hectare (400-acre) dairy unit and milked through a robotic system which has been in place for 12 years. This system produces a wealth of information, which is used by each member of the team, their vet and nutritionist to ensure decisions and actions are data-driven. Since taking on the running of the farm from Stephen’s parents in 2011, the couple have delved into each area of herd management to see how they can progress the business. All protocols are carefully documented to ensure consistency, and a detailed herd health plan, drawn up by Shropshire Farm Vets, is adhered to. Genomic testing has recently been adopted in this year-round calving herd, and all heifer calves are tested from birth. This will allow greater genetic improvement in key areas; milking speed, yield, fertility, health – no mastitis or mobility issues – and teat confirmation must be met to keep pushing the herd forward. This will also promote an improved carbon footprint; an area that features high in their list of priorities. They have recently been accepted onto the Dairy Carbon Network project and look forward to being involved and adopting the technology that can help increase their efficiency across the business. The current carbon footprint for the farm is 1.266 CO2e/kg milk. Currently 80% of heifers, first lactation cows with good health and genetics producing more than 12,000kg of milk and second lactation cows producing more than 18,000kg of milk are served with sexed semen. All other cows, heifers and progeny of Johne’s infected cows are bred to Aberdeen-Angus

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Gold Cup: Shropshire herd makes final five

Stephen and Ruth Ashley.

sires, and a proportion of beef animals are reared on the farm. Getting calves off to the best possible start is vital and they have comprehensive guidelines – set out in a handbook – for staff to follow. Again, to support efficiency and reduce

Key facts ■ Livestock: 130 cows, 110 youngstock, 77 beef cattle ■ Milk yield (12 month rolling average): 16,410kg, 3.91% fat and 3.29% protein ■ Milk from forage: 4,100 litres (25%) ■ Pregnancy rate: 35% ■ Somatic cell count: 106,000 cells/ml, bactoscan 8 ■ Mastitis rate: 2.5 cases per 100 cows per year ■ Calving interval: 369 days ■ Age at first calving: 22.6 months ■ Milk buyer: Muller (Co-op contract)

their carbon footprint, they target good health and growth rates. Improving these has led to a reduction of about six weeks in age at first calving since 2021, to the current 22.6 months. Calf health is supported with a full vaccination programme and tag and test is used to detect any bovine viral diarrhoea infections. Lung scanning has been introduced in the past 12 months, and the results have led to a reduction in antibiotic use and improved growth rates.

Prevention A policy of prevention rather than cure is extended to the milking herd, and bulk milk tests are carried out for IBR, leptospirosis and neospora. All cows are screened quarterly for Johne’s through NMR’s HerdWise service. Strict biosecurity and colostrum management has reduced infection rates, and Johne’s levels are now very low, with no red cows. Cows are bedded on deep sand which is raked three times a day and

topped up once a week. Lime is also added as an extra measure. This has helped to reduce mastitis year-onyear and the rate is now 2.5 cases per 100 cows per year. Antibiotic use has been reduced in the past few years to 12.8mgPCU, and only 10% of cows get antibiotics at drying off, thanks to a selective dry cow treatment plan. Cows are mobility and body condition scored monthly by Mrs Ashley, and thermal imaging is used to detect early cases of lameness. A foot trimmer visits the farm fortnightly to treat any problems and to trim cows prior to drying off. Looking ahead, effort is targeted at increasing milk from home grown forage. Cows are fed a total mixed ration based on a multi-cut grass silage. They grow maize and make their own haylage and hay. Straw is purchased off farm. Looking ahead, plans are being made to extend their use of renewables with more solar, increase milk from forage by improving forage quality, and improve slurry handling Despite Mr and Mrs Ashley’s two children being only nine and 11, the couple are focused on increasing economic and environmental efficiency and creating a sustainable business for future generations. “We joked about winning the Gold Cup a few years; ago,” says Mrs Ashley. “We never imagined we would get this far – into the final round. Last year was a valuable learning experience. We found the judges’ comments very encouraging. “We showcased the farm much better this year, when the judges visited,” adds Ruth. “Hopefully we will have done even better.”

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:06

Gold Cup Finalists Dairy Tech

he family business is run by Ben Foote, alongside parents Jonathan and Celia and wife Molly. Their Candover Holstein herd comprises 322 cows and followers. The milking herd is housed and calve all year round and are milked twice a day through a rapid exit parlour which was installed nine years ago. The herd has made great strides in the past decade. Cow numbers have nearly doubled, from 188 cows in 2014 by breeding replacements and buying in animals from carefully selected herds. Milk sold in 2024 was 4.5 million litres. Yield per cow has increased too, from 7,000kg per cow to the current average of nearly 13,000kg. Having more mature cows in the herd, improved cow care and nutrition, and better genetics have all contributed. A team of four plus Ben and Molly, who rears all the calves, manages the herd with Jerry Austin taking day-today responsibility for the past five years, helping to implement better feed accuracy and better fertility management, including extending the voluntary waiting period for cows and heifers. Dairy vet Claire Walker from The Livestock Partnership has been instrumental in improvements in the herd with an on-going health plan,

FINALISTS The five 2025 NMR RABDF Gold Cup finalists are: ■ Ruth and Stephen Ashley, P.J. and P.E. Ashley and Son, Condover, Shropshire ■ Ben Foote, J.H. Foote Farming, Church Lane Farm, Brown Candover, Alresford, Hampshire ■ Paul Broad, T.N. Morrow and Partners, Treveale Farm, Ladock, Truro, Cornwall ■ Michael Madders and Rosie Chandler, M. Madders Farming, Church Farm, Coppenhall, Staffordshire ■ William Mayor, Yeo Valley Farms, Yeo Valley, Blagdon, Bristol.

Pedigree Candover herd vying for title and for developing control strategies based on disease test results. The herd is quarterly tested for Johne’s and is bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and leptospirosis-free. Bulk milk testing for BVD, IBR, leptospirosis and neospora are carried out. Mastitis and lameness rates are kept low through attention to detail and a good vet: farmer partnership. Nutritionist Mike Bray from Kite is a key player and has helped Ben and his team to increase milk output from forages. Grass silage is made on the 133-hectare (329acre) unit, and much of the maize silage is bought in from neighbouring arable units.

Feed ration Ideally, the most recent maize crop is added to the ration after Christmas, when it is broken down and its feed value increases. The total mixed ration also comprises rape meal, caustic soda, ground maize, minerals and fat. Silage is routinely and regularly analysed, and the ration is carefully balanced with consistency being paramount. Cows are fed a flat rate of concentrates in the parlour. The same focus on consistency is placed on breeding cows, to produce a uniform herd. Ben started registering cows in

JUDGES ■ Judges, RABDF chair Robert Craig and vice-chair Tim Downes, NMR lead veterinary officer Karen Bond and 2023 Gold Cup winner, George Brown, Bisterne Estate visited each unit and interviewed the finalist and their teams. ■ The winner will be announced at DairyTech on the NMR stand at 4pm.

Ben and Molly Foote.

2010, and the Candover herd has developed with the use of high reliability sires chosen for production and type. The current benchmarks are sires with at least 90% reliability, more than 40kg combined fat and protein, and positive fertility traits. For type, Ben looks for good chest width and locomotion which contribute to longevity. Between six and eight sires are selected and a computerised mating service is used. Dan Warman at World Wide Sires operates their mating program to match the most suitable sires to each cow. More recently they have focused on female family selections, and restricted sexed semen use to six Holstein straws a week, with the remaining cows served to beef. Improved breeding, longevity and feed efficiency have contributed to the current CO2e per kg of milk of 1.02/kg fat and protein corrected milk. They have also installed solar panels and a heat recovery system to promote a more sustainable dairy business. With a move to a new site in east Somerset in 2025, as part of the family’s succession plan, Ben select-

ed his best cows and heifers to make up the nucleus of the Candover herd there. Management at the new site will be based on high welfare management and renewables are part of the plan, based on his and Molly’s knowledge and experience, so they can future-proof the business for future generations.

Key facts ■ Livestock numbers: 322 cows, 188 followers ■ Milk yield (12 month rolling average): 12,968kg milk, 3.67% fat, 3.33% protein ■ Milk from forage: 6,480 litres ■ 100-day pregnancy rate: 45% ■ Somatic cell count: 126,000 cells/ml, bactoscan 13 ■ Mastitis rate: seven cases/100 cows/year ■ Calving interval: 380 days ■ Age at first calving: 23 months ■ Milk buyer: Arla

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45 18/12/2025 15:06

Dairy Tech Gold Cup Finalists

Herd health a priority for Cornish dairy business

Paul Broad and his wife, Wendy (née Morrow), together with Wendy’s brother, Irwin Morrow, and Paul and Wendy’s sons, David and Philip, carry out all roles on the farm, from milking cows and rearing calves to planting and harvesting forages. Cows are milked twice a day, mainly by Paul and Wendy, through a rapid-exit parlour. The family has made considerable investments in the past decade for the next generation, with a new dairy unit in 2018 and a new youngstock unit in 2023. More improvements are planned, such as covering the silage pits. The pedigree Maymor Holstein herd has doubled in cow numbers in the past 14 years, to the current 481 milking cows and 461 youngstock followers, on the 280-hectare (692acre) unit. About half the area grows grass for a multi-cut silage system, with maize and winter wheat grown on the rest. This provides forage for the herd. The milking cows are kept in three groups; heifers, cows and barren/stale animals. All groups are fed a single full total mixed ration, comprising grass and maize silage, rolled wheat, ground maize and a protein blend, along with minerals, yeast and protected fats. The feed rate is 0.34kg/litre. Rationing is done under the guidance of Northern Ireland-based nutritionist Jeremy Hamilton, who has worked with the family since 2010. The herd is closed, and all replacements are bred on the farm. The focus is to breed high genetic merit animals with type traits that favour longevity. While milk yield has never been a priority in the breeding plans, a combination of genetics, high health and welfare and excellent housing, has

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Left to right: Irwin Morrow, with Paul, David and Philip Broad.

boosted production to a current average milk yield over 12,000kg. High fertility levels are achieved. Sexed semen is used twice on heifers and on about 40% of the milking cows, and now they are up to capacity in the herd, surplus heifers will be sold.

Milk quality Milk quality is closely monitored and with the latest results showing a somatic cell count of 112,000/ml and a bactoscan of 10, alongside consistent fat and protein, this eye for detail is clearly paying off. Mastitis control has been a focus, and rates of clinical mastitis are now reducing markedly. Herd health is a high priority. The herd is BVD-free and routine testing for Johne’s through NMR’s HerdWise quarterly testing service shows a decline in infection level in the herd, from an average test value (ATV) of 11.7 in June 2020 to the current ATV 2.5. This progress in controlling Johne’s has been achieved by adhering to strict biosecurity measures to limit future infections. Calves are

removed promptly at birth, and scrupulous colostrum management – including pasteurisation of all colostrum – is followed. Colostrum from infected cows is discarded, and these animals are bred to beef sires. Herd health planning is carried out with their vets, Giles and Parson Farm Vets at Camelford and a selective dry cow programme now has 80% of cows dried off without antibiotic treatment. This is improving year-on-year. Antibiotic usage has also reduced and sits well below RUMA targets in all areas. Youngstock rearing is the jewel in the crown on this unit, with mortality rate in heifers from birth to 28 days at 0.4% and 0.73% from one to six months old. Low mortality levels have been consistently achieved during the past six years, since David began recording this as part of his Arla contract. Thanks to good growth rates and a high health status, the age at first calving is 23.5 months. Getting it right from the start and having fit healthy heifers joining the herd is a major contributor to the

business efficiency and the aim is to promote this across the business. Making every acre count, by improving soil health, reducing fertiliser use, while improving forage quality and milk from forage, and using fewer antibiotics will help to future-proof the business. The success of this, Paul believes, will be underpinned with a quality, long-lasting cow.

Key facts ■ Livestock: 481 cows, 461 followers ■ Milk yield (12 month rolling average):12,362kg, 4.26% fat and 3.44% protein ■ Milk from forage: 4,082 litres (33%) ■ Pregnancy rate: 30% ■ Somatic cell count: 112,000 cells/ml, bactoscan 10 ■ Mastitis rate: 21 cases /100 cows ■ Calving interval: 389 days ■ Age at first calving: 23.5 months ■ Milk buyer: Arla

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:06

Gold Cup Finalists Dairy Tech

ike Madders and Rosie Chandler, from Coppenhall, Staffordshire are the fifth generation to farm at Church Farm, which is a mixed dairy and arable business with 422 hectares (1,043 acres), mainly owned by the family but with some rented land. The dairy platform runs on 202ha (500 acres) with a herd of 340 Holstein cows and 220 youngstock. Maximising the use of homegrown forage is a key focus on the dairy unit, with cows grazing for six months, from mid-April to mid-October, depending on conditions. The main milking group in this allyear-round calving herd grazes only during the day and is buffer-fed a partial mixed ration overnight, based on home-grown maize and grass silage. The late lactation low yielding group, or about 40 cows, will graze day and night. All groups graze a group of paddocks around the dairy buildings. Additional paddocks are added after first and second cut silage crops to increase the grazing area. All milking groups are housed in cubicles, in two sheds, with mattresses and the highly absorbent dried paper crumb is spread twice daily. A trial with 40 water beds is currently underway in one shed to see if they further improve cow comfort. Youngstock and dry stock are bedded on straw from the arable operation, with bulling heifers moving to cubicles so they become familiar with them before joining the main herd. Slurry and farmyard manure goes back on to the arable land to provide organic nutrients. Crops are rotated with forage maize, used as a break crop, and long-term cutting leys. This avoids the weed burden risk of grass-to-grass re-seeds. The partial mixed ration comprises approximately two thirds grass silage to a third maize silage, a bespoke nil soy protein blend and a mineral mix. To eke out limited forage supplies after the dry summer in 2025, 1.2kg a head a day of straw is being added to the diet. ForFarmers nutritionist Alison

Mike Madders and Rosie Chandler.

Siblings make final round Ewing uses regular silage analysis data to balance the ration. Cows are fed to yield in the parlour at an average feed rate of 4.5kg of a nil soy high starch 16% protein nut, with those yielding more than 40kg a day having up to 6kg a day. Cows are milked twice a day through a 20/40 herringbone parlour. There is sequential identification as the cows enter the parlour, which operates the in-parlour feeders.

Pedigree status This Holstein herd has been closed for almost 20 years, and pedigree status was achieved in the mid-1970s under the Copehale prefix. Improving production and functional type lies behind breeding plans, with sire selection based on Profitable Lifetime Index with a particular focus on milk constituents, feet and udder health. Genomic testing of heifer calves at birth was introduced in 2023.The top 30% of females based on genomic test results are selected to breed replacements, using sexed semen from genomically tested bulls. They aim is to rear 100 Holstein heifer calves a year. The rest of the

cows and heifers are bred to Gamechanger Aberdeen-Angus sires, for the integrated beef supply chain. Herd health is maintained on farm through scrupulous attention to detail in the parlour and housing. Cows are mobility scored monthly by a third party and nearly 90% of cows are at scores 0 and 1. Any issues are dealt with immediately. The herd is currently naïve to bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and IBR, and is monitored through bulk milk tank screening, as well as using BVD tag and test ear tags for all calves. The herd’s comprehensive vaccine programme includes BVD, leptospirosis, blackleg, Huskvac and now bluetongue. NMR’s HerdWise quarterly screening service is used to identify and reduce Johne’s infections, which have now been reduced to only 12 cows showing any level of infection out of 341 cows in July 2025. A detailed health plan is drawn up by Stafford-based Manor Farm Vets. The aim is to prevent rather than treat disease, and evidence of this is the drop in antibiotic use, particularly during the past five years. Only 31% of cows are treated with antibiotics at drying off.

The dairy business has made steady progress in the past 50 years, when Mike and Rosie’s parents, Bill and Beth, moved the dairy unit out of the village and on to a greenfield site at the heart of the grazing platform. The siblings run the business alongside herdsman James Barker and his father, David; apprentice Oliver Smith-Williams, who will soon be joining the business full-time; and calf-rearer Claire Beardmore. Claire’s husband, Ian, manages the arable operation, but also helps on the dairy, along with relief milkers when required. Investment in the business has accelerated in more recent years, with a new maize clamp in 2019, and extensions to the main cubicle shed and parlour in 2020. In 2021, a bespoke calf rearing shed was constructed, followed by a new loose housing shed for in-calf heifers in 2023. Silage clamp capacity is currently being increased and improvements made to reduce waste. Spring 2026 will see a new slurry lagoon being built, and there are also plans for an extra 40kW solar PV array to add to the existing roof mounted 50kW system. Mike and Rosie aim to build a robust and well-invested business, which they hope will enable the next generation to build a sustainable dairy business for the future, whether that is a third party or someone from within the family.

Key facts ■ Livestock: 340 cows, 220 youngstock ■ Milk yield (12-month rolling average): 10,488 kg, 4.57% fat, 3.55% protein ■ Milk from forage: 3713kg ■ Somatic cell count: 152,000 cells/ml, bactoscan: 14 ■ Mastitis rate: 13.2 per 100 cows per year ■ Calving interval: 368 days 100 day in-calf rate: 60% ■ Average age at first calving: 25 months ■ Milk buyer: Arla (Arla CARE)

JANUARY 2026 DF Jan P44 45 46 47 48 .indd 47

47 18/12/2025 15:06

Dairy Tech Gold Cup Finalists

Finalist Yeo Valley follows regen system

eo Valley Farms is well known for its pedigree British Friesian Lakemead herd. Two dairies and a youngstock unit are part of a mixed farming business, operating an integrated regenerative organic system over 800 hectares (1,977 acres) at Blagdon, in north Somerset. Cows at the Yoxter dairy calve from April to May, while the Holt Farm herd calves in a block from September to December. Both herds are milked twice a day through a Trigon Westfalia, and the milk goes to the company’s processing site, situated is within a few miles of the farms. The farm business is managed by Richard Greaves with unit managers Gabby Veater and Steve Laurie. William Mayor is responsible for the overall business development of the farms, including the arable enterprises. The dairies play a key role in Yeo Valley’s regenerative system, which is integrated with the sheep, arable and dairy beef that graze in the woodland pasture to help promote a fully functional farm ecosystem. Working with Siobhan Griffin of Next Level Grazing, the dairy unit platforms operate a regenerative grazing strategy to achieve optimal recovery of diverse herbal leys before the next grazing. The system builds grazing resilience to help to mitigate the impact of more extreme seasons. The strong and versatile characteristics of the British Friesian suit the farm, and the Lakemead herd is renowned for supplying balanced and resilient animals, including stock bulls, and genetics nationally

48 DF Jan P44 45 46 47 48 .indd 48

and internationally. The herd has bred well-known sires, including Lakemead Jingle, Pinnacle and, more recently, Scirocco and Zephyr. All replacements are home-bred and 20% of the herd is replaced annually. The herd has been closed since 1961. The best cows, exhibiting good longevity and on-farm performance, form the main breeding stock, with some heifers being selected with strong family lines. British Friesian sires are chosen to ensure genetic diversity is maintained and individual matings use classification and cow performance records to aid decision making. Cows not seen bulling by 30 days post calving are presented to the vet, and the diet is revised if required.

Youngstock unit A specialised youngstock unit, Beech Farm, rears heifer replacements for the two dairy units, and houses a beef enterprise to rear all calves from the dairy herds. A herd health plan is managed with their vet north Somersetbased Tibbs and Simmons, with particular focus on high welfare and preventive strategies. Calf and heifer rearing and hygiene protocols are followed closely, including strict colostrum management, whole milk for 12 weeks, a vaccination programme and routine weight monitoring. The 1% mortality from birth to calving reflects the high standards achieved in youngstock rearing. Cows are routinely screened for Johne’s infection through quarterly milk samples. The average test value, which is the herd’s Johne’s infection rate, has reduced from 11.6 in 2017 to 7.8 in 2025. Selective breed-

Left to right:Will Mayor and Richard Greaves.

ing, improved hygiene and introducing separate calving areas for any infected cows has aided this improvement. Housing has been designed with animal welfare and behaviour in mind. A bedding conditioner is used in cubicles with sawdust to reduce the risk of udder infection and mastitis. Cows are monitored daily for lameness, and any problems are treated immediately with feet routinely trimmed 60 days into lactation and at drying off. Diets are based on home-grown forage, with an arable platform of 251ha (620 acres) providing feed for all the livestock enterprises, with crops such as pea, oats and barley, blue lupins and spring wheat, and wheat-bean mixes. The farm grows no monocultures, and cover crops are used extensively in the rotation to increase soil health, build fertility and provide winter fodder for sheep. The farm has a five-year ambition to move towards 100% homegrown feeds, which William admits is a challenge. They have carried out more accurate analysis of silages using NIR and wet chemistry to help improve use of forages. A trial to identify the best protein crops to grow on the farm and to provide bypass protein in the diet has been carried out and as a result, blue

lupins and spring wheat grown as a bio crop and crimped are proving to be a step in the right direction. In the summer months, the cows graze diverse herbal leys, with a small buffer feed given before milking. During the winter, the cows are fed herbal ley silage, wholecrop (wheat and beans), crimped (blue lupins and wheat), and a protein blend, with additional parlour cake provided on a feed-to-yield basis. The farm is engaged on an extensive Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which supports their objectives of keeping biodiversity central and producing high quality, natural organic milk.

Key facts ■ Livestock: Spring calving - 100 cows, autumn calving - 220 cows, 130 followers ■ Milk yield: 7,725kg, 4% fat, 3.3% protein ■ Milk from forage: 2,400 litres ■ Pregnancy rate: 30% ■ Somatic cell count: 155,000 cells/ml bactoscan: 24 ■ Mastitis rate: 17 cases per 100 cows ■ Calving interval: 372 days ■ Age at first calving: 25.5 months ■ Milk buyer: Yeo ValleySouth West Organic Milk Pool

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:06

Research The benefits of giving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are being highlighted as part of a three-point approach to identifying and treating digital dermatitis in dairy herds. Dairy Farmer reports.

Research shows vital step in digital dermatitis treatment

recent update from the VetPartners and Ceva-funded Project FEET dairy lameness research data shows that, although digital dermatitis is a painful condition, affected cows are still less likely to receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as part of the treatment plan than in other causes of lameness. Due to lameness affecting around a third of the national dairy herd, causing significant economic losses through reduced fertility and milk yield, early culling and treatment costs, Project FEET (which stands for ‘Furthering the Evidence-base on cow mobility by Engaging the whole Team’) set out to explore how pain was perceived and how attitudes to NSAID use differed across common lameness scenarios in dairy cattle. The research was undertaken Will Gratwick

Research shows that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more effective for digital dermatitis than farmers generally think.

by VetPartners, a vet-led group of veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses across the UK and Europe. The original research came from a questionnaire filled in by 210 participants from members of the on-farm mobility team, including 81 farmers, 80 vets, 34 foot-trimmers and 15 vet techs. Farm vet Will Gratwick – of LLM Farm Vets in Whitchurch, part of VetPartners – explains what the recent iteration of Project FEET has found. He says: “When it comes to digital dermatitis, this recent deeper dive into the Project FEET data showed that farmers were less likely to see the benefits of giving NSAIDs for digital dermatitis than for other issues, such as sole ulcers and white line

issues, even though they relieve pain and inflammation. “Historically there has been a lack of evidence that using NSAIDs successfully treats digital dermatitis, but research published in 2021 showed that NSAIDs are an effective part of digital dermatitis treatment and support a quicker, more successful recovery.”

Investment He explains that evidence is what motivates investment and given there is evidence to support the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of digital dermatitis, the aim of the latest research is to get the message out that cows will recover more quickly with appropriate pain relief. Mr Gratwick also stresses that

NSAIDs do not work on digital dermatitis in isolation but support two other crucial elements of digital dermatitis control – early detection and prompt, effective treatment. “The NSAID is only part of the treatment,” he says. “Being vigilant in spotting lameness and treating it quickly – ideally within 24 hours – is absolutely key to successful recovery and NSAIDs are now proven to be an effective part of those steps to getting cows sound again. “Their use can be very beneficial if they are built into effective treatment protocols and given promptly, and I would advise farmers to speak to their vet to develop protocols on when to use NSAIDs as part of treatment for lameness, including digital dermatitis.”

JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p49 R.indd 49

49 18/12/2025 4:24 pm

Machinery A cabless compact tractor with hydrostatic transmission, washable operator’s station and a loader, has brought simplicity to Cheshire dairy unit to clean and bed cubicle sheds on a daily basis. Geoff Ashcroft reports.

Compact Kubota provides platform for cubicle duties

hile it is tempting to choose a tractor with a cab for working in and around cubicle sheds, Anthony Oakes reasoned that a cabless option would improve visibility when working in traditional livestock buildings and confined spaces at W.A. & C.G. Oakes’ 200-hectare (500acre) Stublach Farm. “When brushing cubicles and applying fresh sawdust, it is much easier to see all around you when there is no cab,” says Anthony Oakes. “There are no windows to get covered in dust and muck, so

visibility from the seat is always the best it can be.” The obvious trade-offs are protection from the elements and, some would say, a lack of heater – often a key consideration on a winter’s day. But choosing the right tractor for the job has paid dividends for supporting the farm’s 300-cow Alcar pedigree Holstein herd and followers.

Feed kitchen The requirement for such a tractor followed the introduction of a feed kitchen and a reduction in tractor power and fleet size, to suit. It gave a chance to assess what would be best suited to the task,

Anthony Oakes says the Kubota’s hydrostatic transmission offers a robust drivetrain with precise control.

and Cheshire Farm Machinery supplied a Kubota L1501 compact tractor equipped with an LA854 front-end loader.

“It is small enough to nip in and out of all our buildings, yet powerful enough to handle the daily workload of cleaning and bedding,” Mr Oakes says. Bought new in 2019, the Japanese-built tractor has clocked up more than 5,000 hours, and is in use every day. Up front is a hydraulicallydriven Suton Turbo Clean cubicle brush, while the rear linkage carries an Ag Dispenser 175 with hydraulically tipping hopper for sawdust. He says: “This is one of those tractor purchases that has been so good, you tend to forget just how good it is and get on with the

Being cabless, the Kubota delivers improved visibility from the seat when compared to peering through dirt and dust-covered windows.

50 DF Jan p50 51 52 53 R KJ.indd 2

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:50

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daily grind. Whereas stuff that breaks down tends to leave an indelible mark in your mind and you will grumble about it often. “The Kubota is a simple, wellbuilt and reliable machine.” The 50hp L1501 tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission with a rocking foot pedal that provides speed control and direction changes, instead of a traditional dry clutch. Importantly, this has eliminated a failure point for hard-working yard tractors which, through operator abuse, can lead to premature clutch failure.

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“Having a yard tractor with such a controllable and reliable transmission is a game-changer,” Tel. +44 (0)1387 750459 E: info@britmilk.co.uk | W: www.britmilk.co.uk says Mr Oakes. “I can change direction and control my speed with a single foot pedal, leaving my hands free to steer and operate the brush and dispenser controls.” DF Classified.indd 3 Being four-wheel drive, there is no shortage of traction and manoeuvrability is high, thanks to Kubota’s portal design front axle with fully enclosed drive shafts and gears. Mr Oakes says: “As an L-series compact tractor, this is not a big outfit. It is relatively narrow and, with only a roll frame to look past, it is an ideal bit of kit for the job.”

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Attachments In addition to the loader-mounted brush, there are a range of attachments that can be used with the tractor, further increasing its versatility. These include buckets, pallet forks, bale spike and muck grab. He says: “We needed a headstock adapter for the brush, so it could fit the Kubota’s loader just like any of our attachments. “It is really a three-point linkage model and this means we still

JANUARY 2026

DF Jan p50 51 52 53 R KJ.indd 3

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Machinery

The tilting hopper simplifies loading sawdust without the need for a telehandler or additional loader.

have the option of using the brush on other tractors if needed.” With the loader equipped with an auxiliary hydraulic line as its third service and this provides the necessary hydraulic power to run the brush’s switchable hydraulic functions – up/down, left/right slew and forward/reverse brush rotation. Mr Oakes needed to add an electric switch to the side of the

dashboard, to create a constant switched power feed to activate the third service. He says: “It means I do not have to keep my hand on the third service, so I can use the Suton control box to operate all the brush’s functions. “I can raise and lower the brush, or slew it 180° to suit leftside or right-side sweeping and,

The Kubota’s hydrostatic transmission uses a rocking foot pedal for speed and direction changes, simplifying control for the vehicle, the cubicle brush and the sawdust dispenser.

52 DF Jan p50 51 52 53 R KJ.indd 4

with it, the brush rotation is also adjustable.” He says that having the brush on the loader offers far more flexibility than using the three-point linkage. “I am looking forwards for a start, so this is really easy to see,” he says. “As I drive forward through the cubicles, I can sweep the edges, then when reversing out, I can dispense sawdust using the hydraulic spools for the belt drive. “So whichever way I travel through a cubicle shed, I am using both ends of the tractor. “The visibility is great and the productivity is impressive. “With the brush being loader-mounted, I have extra adjustment too, through raising or lowering the boom.” He says that using sawdust for the cow cubicles means dust is inevitable and the use of a mask is essential when bedding up. He adds: “At least I do not have windows getting coated with dust. And the platform of the L-series tractor is easy to rinse off

with a hosepipe, which keeps pedals free of muck and debris.” He says that work lights, or rather a lack of them, was easily rectified. He explains: “I bought four LED work lights and mounted them high up, clamping them on the outside of the tractor’s ROPS frame. Two lights two face forward, and two face rearward, with all the wiring running straight into the tractor’s orange flashing beacon switch. Job done, daylight all around.”

Mucking out With youngstock housed on a satellite unit three miles from Stublach Farm, the L1501 is also tasked with mucking out calf sheds using a Strimech grab to handle deep litter, after which, a twin-tine bale spike is fitted, to bring clean straw into the building. He says: “Compared to our telehandler, there is a maximum lift height limitation with the Kubota and, being a compact, narrow tractor, we have boosted stability through the use of water

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 8:59 am

Machinery It has been more than up to the job. After six years and more than 5,000 hours, I would have another one without question ANTHONY OAKES ballast in the rear tyres. This eliminates the need for a weight block on the linkage, so the back of the tractor can still be used where needed.” Mr Oakes says that the tractor is clocking up around 800 hours/ year, which is more than the farm’s telehandler. He says: “I did not expect we would have such turn-key reliability,

A-frame type headstock bracket simplifies attachment mounting for the Suton brush.

given the environment we are operating in, but it really has delivered. We have never yet put a battery on it. We have done oil and filter changes and it gets greased. That has it.

“My initial preference was for a larger Kubota M-series tractor without a cab, with a hydrostatic transmission, thinking it would be that bit beefier in the rear-end and three-point linkage.

“But this is the biggest hydrostatic in the range and it has been more than up to the job. “After six years and more than 5,000 hours, I would have another one without question.”

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MILK

Prices

Milk price cuts show little sign of slowing down J MOVING into 2026, a raft of January milk price reductions is likely to be accompanied by another swathe for February after wholesale prices for most basic dairy commodity products have taken an absolute pounding. None more so than bulk cream, which in the run-up to Christmas was trading in the region of 60% lower than the same time last year. Bulk butter has not fared much

better, down around 50%, with mild Cheddar down by more than 30% (which in turn is now dragging values of mature down with it) while SMP, the non-performer of recent times, is still down by around 17%. At the same time, year-on-year weekly milk production continues to give buyers of these dairy commodities no real cause for alarm, while the same cannot be said for milk

MILK PRICES FOR CHEESE SHOWING STRAIN JMILK price cuts coming for milk being supplied into cheese will continue into 2026. Indeed, some milk buyers who originally thought a price hold for January may have been possible subsequently had to fold on the idea. Our two main mozzarella manufacturers have had to reduce milk prices, with Leprino Foods reducing a further 3ppl for January to take our manufacturing price down to 30ppl while Dairy Partners has reduced by 2.77ppl to 30.18ppl. These moves set their milk prices back to the autumn of 2021 price levels and no doubt will be joined by other cheesemakers. On the Cheddar front, cuts also continue at pace. First Milk’s decision to reduce its milk price by a further 3.6ppl from January to 32.25ppl represents a total reduction of 12.6ppl from four price reductions, with its Haverfordwest Tesco Cheese Group moving down

the same to 33.75ppl. The company has also reduced its BV Dairy price for January by 3.11ppl to 34.71ppl. Barber’s Cheesemakers has reduced by a further 2.57ppl for January to 36.07ppl, taking the Somerset cheesemaker’s total reduction to date from three reductions to 9.01ppl. South Caernarfon Creameries has taken a fourth cut, this time of 3ppl, to take its January price down to 32ppl – representing an overall cut of 11ppl since October 2025. The Fresh Milk Company (Lactalis) has reduced its MSA Stranraer milk price by a further 3.04ppl for January to 32.48ppl, an overall reduction of 11.34ppl from three reductions. Parkham Farms has taken a further 2.5ppl (10.5ppl total) from January to 33ppl with Belton Farm down 2ppl to 35.55ppl, representing a total cut of 7ppl.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:19

Milk price analyst Stephen Bradley on the latest milk industry developments. processors, some of whom have had to take some radical action with balancing schemes in order to try and bring milk volumes under control before next spring.

Others are seeing milk prices and milk contracts stretched to the limits due to the combination of high milk supply and the brutality of the market downturn since early August.

Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 george.lunt01@outlook.com george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk Nationwide (01948) george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk Nationwide (01948) 662910/663143 662910/663143

george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk george@greenfieldsrise.f9.co.uk

Average liquid standard price down 14% JWHILE market prices for most dairy commodity prices have declined slowly since January before cliff-edge drops this summer, the milk price cuts announced to date, including those captured for January 2026 supplies, when comparing our latest average price for our liquid standard* (excluding retailer milk prices) highlights a reduction of 5.93ppl (-14.06%). Our manufacturing standard* average is showing a larger decline to date of 8.8ppl (-19.68%). This confirms for now that even despite the large reduction in the price for bulk cream, liquid processors have shown more resilience overall with lower average cuts than that of the manufacturing sector. The UK’s two largest milk buyers have not been immune, with Arla Foods reducing its on-account milk price for owners’ conventional milk by a further four eurocents per kg from December 2025, while its organic milk price holds unchanged for the eighth month. This is the company’s fourth straight cut and totals 10 eurocents, taking our manufacturing standard litre down 3.5ppl to 39.21ppl. With three separate negative quarterly currency movements for January, April and July this year while the milk price was held, the December cut takes the company’s total reduction for 2025 to 9.33ppl.

Our liquid standard litre decreases by 3.36ppl to 37.59ppl, a total reduction for the year of 8.99ppl. Our manufacturing organic standard litre price holds on 57.95ppl with our organic liquid standard unchanged on 55.56ppl. Having introduced new milk volume controls for spring next year to discourage producers from supplying more than their given tolerance threshold, Muller has decreased its Muller Direct milk price by a further 1.5ppl from January to 38.5ppl and 38.25ppl (Scotland), which represents a total cut of 4.25ppl from September 2025 after the company increased its price by 0.5ppl that month. However, with organic milk production now on the increase, the company has reduced its organic price by 0.5ppl from January 2026 to 56.75ppl for our liquid standard. Other liquid milk processors have also continued with their price cuts to varying degrees. Freshways has reduced by a further 3ppl for January to 31ppl, and Crediton Dairy has reduced by 2ppl from January to 38.1ppl, with butterfat payments +/- 4% base also reducing from 2.5p per % to 1.5p per % on the back of lower value of fresh bulk cream. Pembrokeshire Dairies has reduced by 0.4ppl to 38.05ppl while Graham’s The Family Dairy has reduced by 2ppl to 37ppl.

* Our Liquid standard litre is 4%b/f & 3.3% protein, for our manufacturing 4.2%b/f & 3.4% protein and in both cases bactoscans of 30,000/ml & SCCs of 200,000/ml, with thermodurics of 500/ml, 1mltrs/yr on EODC (max vehicle accessibility) based on level supply and therefore, before seasonality, (but includes the winter premiums paid in NI) as well as monthly profile adjustments, balancing charges, capital deductions or annual / part annual growth incentive schemes or supplements not directly linked to dairy market price movement.

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JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p54 55 56 KJ.indd 3

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55 18/12/2025 15:19

Milk Prices Latest milk prices from

Aug’25 Sept’25 12mth Diff 4.0/3.3 4.0/3.3 Ave Sept’25 Before Before Oct’24 v Seas’lty Seas’lty Sept’25 Aug’25 LIQUID PRICES (4% b/f & 3.3% prot) (i) (ii) (iii) (i) v (ii) UK Arla Farmers—Tesco 46.98 46.14 46.85 -0.84 UK Arla Farmers—Morrisons 46.65 45.81 46.53 -0.84 UK Arla Farmers 45.90 45.06 45.77 -0.84 Müller Milk Group—Waitrose 45.00 46.00 44.65 1.00 Müller Milk Group—M&S E&W 44.27 44.27 43.80 N/C Crediton Dairy 44.10 44.10 43.78 N/C Dale Farm GB (Kendal) 43.44 43.57 43.66 0.13 Müller Milk Group—M&S Scotland & NI 44.27 44.27 43.49 N/C Dale Farm NI 39.89 37.39 43.44 -2.50 Blackmore Vale Dairy 43.01 43.01 43.41 N/C Müller Milk Group—Müller Direct 42.25 42.75 42.21 0.50 Müller Milk Group—Müller Direct (Scotland) 42.00 42.50 41.96 0.50 Müller Milk Group—Tesco 42.25 44.15 41.64 1.90 Müller Milk Group—Sainsbury’s 42.60 42.63 41.63 0.03 Müller Milk Group—The Co-op Dairy Group 42.37 42.37 41.52 N/C Yew Tree Dairy 41.50 41.50 41.50 N/C Paynes Farms Dairies 40.00 40.00 41.13 N/C Freshways 40.00 40.00 41.08 N/C Meadow (Lakes) 40.00 40.00 40.71 N/C Meadow 40.00 40.00 40.71 N/C Grahams Dairies 40.25 42.00 40.25 1.75 Simple Average 42.70 42.74 42.84 -0.01 Simple Average (excl. retail contracts) 38.33 38.29 38.91 -0.04 MANUFACTURING PRICES (4.2% b/f & 3.4% prot) UK Arla Farmers 47.87 47.00 47.74 -0.87 First Milk—Haverfordwest Tesco Cheese Group 46.35 46.35 46.33 N/C Barber’s Cheesemakers 45.08 45.08 45.21 N/C First Milk 44.85 44.85 44.83 N/C Dale Farm NI 41.38 38.88 44.74 -2.50 The Fresh Milk Company—Level Profile ‡ 44.39 44.39 44.63 N/C The Fresh Milk Company (Lactalis) 43.82 43.82 44.06 N/C Wyke Farms 43.53 43.53 43.68 N/C Parkham Farms Tesco 43.50 43.50 43.41 N/C Wensleydale Dairy Products 43.23 43.43 43.18 0.20 Leprino Foods 43.00 43.00 42.91 N/C Saputo Dairy UK—Davidstow 43.00 43.00 42.91 N/C South Caernarfon 43.00 43.00 42.90 N/C Belton Farm 41.55 42.55 42.18 1.00 Simple Average 44.00 43.90 44.05 -0.11 Simple Average (excl. retail contracts) 43.85 43.73 43.95 -0.13 ‘B’ Price Indicators StoneXMilkprices.com UKMFE (gross) 41.89 37.24 42.37 -4.65 *StoneXMilkprices.com UKMFE (net) 36.45 32.03 36.92 -4.42 **Delivered spot milk (net to the producer) 34.48 34.40 -0.08

Latest Confirmed Milk Price (iv) 37.59 41.70 40.95 46.00 45.15 38.10 40.77 45.15 37.39 33.42 38.50 38.25 44.10 45.86 43.21 41.50 36.00 31.00 31.00 31.00 39.00

39.21 33.75 36.07 32.25 39.70 36.09 35.52 35.23 33.00 37.68 30.00 42.00 32.00 35.55

Notes to table

Prices for both Liquid & Manufacturing tables paid for a producer sending 1mltrs/yr on EODC (max vehicle size accessibility) with Bactoscans of 30,000/ml and SCC’s of 200,000/ml with Thermodurics of 500/ml. Excludes capital retentions or AHDB levies, profile adjustments from level supply, seasonality, balancing and A&B price schemes (includes the winter premiums paid in NI). Excludes annual / part annual growth incentive schemes or supplements not directly linked to dairy market price movement. Liquid price for milk contains 4% b/f and 3.3% protein. Manufacturing price for milk containing 4.2%/b/f and 3.4% prot. All prices for non-aligned prices are before monthly retail supplements. (i) Aug’25 prices before seasonality or B pricing (ii) Sept’25 prices before seasonality or B pricing (iii) Table ranked on simple rolling 12mth average of monthly prices (Oct’24 to Sept’25). (i) v (ii) The difference Sept’25 compared with Aug’25. UK Arla Farmers hold for Aug’25 includes 1.610ppkg (1.658ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.220ppkg (1.257ppl) based on our liquid std litre. UK Arla Farmers hold for Aug’25 includes 1.681ppkg (1.731ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.274ppkg (1.312ppl) based on our manufacturing std litre. UK Arla Farmers 0.84ppl decrease for Sept’25 includes 1.610ppkg (1.658ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.220ppkg (1.257ppl) based on our liquid std litre. UK Arla Farmers 0.87ppl decrease for Sept’25 includes 1.681ppkg (1.731ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.274ppkg (1.312ppl) based on our manufacturing std litre. First Milk price includes 0.5ppl Member Premium accrued as a 13th payment paid Apr’26. Regenerative variable bonus average payment for Aug & Sept’25 of 0.6ppl. First Milk Haverfordwest Tesco Cheese Group includes 2ppl retailer premium averaged as 1.5ppl based on seasonal profile. Fresh Milk Company price before Morrisons monthly cheese supplement (payment made in May’25 of 0.012ppl for supplies Dec’24 to Apr’25). MMG Direct price includes 1ppl Premium paid quarterly in arrears to Direct/Organic farms meeting specific Müller Direct criteria (Quarterly payments started from Apr’22). Crediton Dairy price includes FarmMetrics Scheme Bonus of 0.5ppl (paid monthly) with 0.1ppl increase for Jan’25 resulting from commencement of new carbon footprinting bonus. South Caernarfon price includes flat 0.25ppl annual member for 2024/25. * UK Milk Futures Equivalent (UKMFE) net to producer includes 5% processor margin and allowing 3.34ppl ex-farm haulage for Aug’25 and 3.35ppl for Sept’25. ** Ave delivered spot milk net to producer allows 3ppl covering haulage + milk testing and margin. UK Arla Farmers 1.59ppl decrease for Oct’25 includes 1.612ppkg (1.660ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.220ppkg (1.257ppl) based on our liquid std litre. UK Arla Farmers 1.66ppl decrease for Oct’25 includes 1.683ppkg (1.733ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.275ppkg (1.313ppl) based on our manufacturing std litre. UK Arla Farmers 2.52ppl decrease for Nov’25 includes 1.612ppkg (1.660ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.220ppkg (1.257ppl) based on our liquid std litre. UK Arla Farmers 2.63ppl decrease for Nov’25 includes 1.683ppkg (1.733ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.275ppkg (1.313ppl) based on our manufacturing std litre. UK Arla Farmers 3.36ppl decrease for Dec’25 includes 1.611ppkg (1.659ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.219ppkg (1.256ppl) based on our liquid std litre. UK Arla Farmers 3.50ppl decrease for Dec’25 includes 1.683ppkg (1.733ppl) Farm Ahead Sustainability Incentive and Guaranteed minimum supplementary payment of 1.275ppkg (1.313ppl) based on our manufacturing std litre. MMG—Tesco introduction of new sustainability scheme with average payment of 1.4ppl added to the previous 0.5ppl Sept’25 increase takes total increase up to 1.9ppl. Sustainability scheme average payment of 1.46ppl average for Nov’25. MMG—The Co-op Dairy Group from May’25 pay the higher of either the MMG Direct price or The CDG basket average. Paynes Dairies cut of 4ppl from Nov’25 and 2ppl from Dec’25 excludes a 1ppl Operational Charge pending the introduction of a zoned ex-farm haulage charge. All prices are before any additional monthly retail supplements. Milkprices.com cannot take any responsibility for losses arising. Copyright: Milkprices.com

56 DF Jan p54 55 56 KJ.indd 4

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:20

TAKING PLACE ON 14-15 JANUARY 2026 AT NEC BIRMINGHAM Join us at CropTec 2026 to continue the conversation and knowledge exchange in the arable sector, driving the industry forward towards a positive future. Recognising that farmers are often time-poor, this year’s show is co-located with LAMMA offering a consolidated, efficient experience where visitors can connect with both machinery experts and arable specialists in a single venue. Streamlining their ability to access critical insights and products essential for their farm’s success and sustainability.

Join us in January at the agricultural event of the year. Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry. Scan the QR code or visit croptecshow.com

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CT x DF Full page January.indd 1 p57_DF_January_2026.indd 1

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15/12/2025 11:47:28 18/12/2025 11:19

Milk Analysis

Milk price moves show increasing volatility

he latest official Defra milk price for October is 46.54ppl at 4.38% fat and 3.55% protein, which is virtually the same as last month. When corrected for constituents back to a standard 4% fat, 3.3% protein standard litre, the price is about 40p. There have been numerous price drops for November and December, with 21 processors out of 26 cutting for November and December, and that is with three of the five that have not cut being in

Northern Ireland, who announce retrospectively. In total 18 have dropped again for January, but many still have not announced. The estimated non-aligned average price for November is 37.7p; for December it is slightly more than 35p, and for January 2026 it is 33.5p. Prices started the year at an average of 43.14p and finished at 33.5p – a decline of nearly 10p and 22%. The trend over time suggests dairy markets have become significantly more volatile in the past four years.

Difference between end of year price and start Pence per litre

15 10 5 0 -5 -10

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

-15

EU AND UK MILK VOLUMES TRACKING 5% UP EU plus UK milk volumes in October were 13,117 million litres, which is 643m litres and 5.16% more than last year, and 644m litres and 4.91% more than the three-year average.

58 DF Jan p58 59 KJ R.indd 2

Cumulative volumes are 133,151m litres, which is 1,852m and 1.41% more than last year now, and 2,178m litres and 1.66% more than the average of the last three years.

EU PLUS UK EXPORTS LOOK MORE POSITIVE THERE have been some notable improvements in EU plus UK exports for October, which should aid the EU market by reducing stock levels. In total, EU and UK exports in October were 445,300 tonnes, which is 31,200t and 7.5% more than last year – the biggest monthly year on year gain since August 2024. SMP posted its biggest percentage gain since 2017 and was up 64% and 29,500t to 75,300t. Fat filled powder had a good run too, and was up 12% and 4,400t to 41,200t, which is the second highest level of exports since 2014. And in a potentially significant boost to cheesemakers, cheese exports out of the EU for October are the fourth highest since 2014 at 90,600t – up 2.7% and 2,400t on last year. It is up nearly 12% on the average for 2025 to September.

On a cumulative basis exports are still lower than last year, by 3.3% and 139,000t to 4.12mt. SMP exports are 11% and 68,500t higher at 693,200t, followed by fat filled with a 1.5% and 5,000t increase to 341,300t. They are the only two commodities in positive territory.

Exports For the UK, cheese exports were down 3,000t and 3% for the year to October compared to last year, but are 40% and 26,100t more than the average from 2020 to 2024. Cheddar imports are down 7% so far, and equivalent to a fall of 4,100t to 54,000t. UK curd exports are up 12% and 3,400t to 31,800t. It is the first time we have exported more than 3,000t of curd a month for four consecutive months in recent times – if ever.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 15:17

Milk Analysis SOME POSITIVES FOR BUTTER AND CHEESE IN what has been a desperate last few months for cheesemakers, the year ended on a slightly more upbeat note than many previously expected, with some traders stating that availability for Q1 2026 was tighter than expected on the back of good curd exports. Added to this, the cheaper cheese deals that have dogged the market in recent months have dried up. Several companies in Ireland and the UK were reporting that they had sold out of both mild and mature for Q1, for example, and some cheese in Europe is tighter than expected too. In the week before Christmas, cheese forward prices for Q2 increased by £165/tonne - the biggest weekly gain since September 2024. However the move effectively took the mild Cheddar price from a ridiculously low one at below £2,700 (which no trader could actually buy at) to a low one at £2,840, so there is a long way to go before the word ‘recovery’ can be used. Nevertheless some firms have lifted their base selling

In total 18 processors have dropped their milk price for January.

GDT NOW AT NINE CONSECUTIVE LOSSES

Prices were only up marginally, by €10 (£8.80) for Dutch, but the last time the price increased was June. Its price ended the year at €4,080 (£3,583) Butter futures also increased for the second week in a row in the run-up to Christmas, with a possible driver being a retail butter discount campaign in Germany driving demand. The average price over the next six months is now €4,300 (£3,776), and up from €4,100 (£3,600) in early December. Cream is trading for below £1/kg, but the Christmas break means it is not a true reflection of its value.

-5

-15

Cheddar

JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p58 59 KJ R.indd 3

Butter

2025

SMP

2024

WMP

2023

Average

2022

-25 2021

The star of the show of the main commodities was mozzarella, which increased by 6.7% to $3,395 (£2,544) and €2,888 (£2,164). But the move simply brought global prices up to EU levels and did not move them forward at all. WMP dropped 5.7% and SMP was down 2.1%, with Arla’s at €1,974 (£1,734) – the lowest since September 2021. Butter fell

Prices

% Difference between start and year end GDT prices

2020

Mozzarella

another 2.5%, with EU supply managing to hold above €4,000 (£3,514) – but only just. The commodities convert into an approximate UK milk price equivalent of below 30p now, having peaked at around 45p in May.

2019

THE GDT auction fell again for the final auction of the year. It has now posted nine consecutive losses; its worst run since 2015, when there were 10 consecutive reductions. Then there was a 42% drop in the average commodity value to $1,815 (£1,360). This time around the percentage reduction is half of that and the average price settled at $3,341 (£2,503), the lowest for two years.

prices from £2,800 to £2,850 on mild to £3,000, and some are moving their mature prices from £3,400 to £3,550. There was also some positive news for butter. All the three main EU butter suppliers – France, Germany and the Netherlands – increased their prices and we have not seen a week that all three do that since May.

59 18/12/2025 15:18

NEW Products This month’s new products section features a new innovation in bolus technology, product launches set for LAMMA and a new smartphone app to help with farm compliance.

Quick clip steel fencing system

NEW APP AIDS FARM COMPLIANCE JThe new Regeno app, Farmwalk, brings everything together on one platform, to streamline recordkeeping for farm assurance and environmental schemes. Farmers simply take photos, or record voice notes in the field, and the app automatically allocates them to the appropriate scheme, ready for consultants to approve. Everything is in one secure system, with evidence mapped across different actions and schemes. Farmwalk sends reminders for compliance tasks, such as walking a farm hedge or soil sampling, and gathers video, photos and GPS data to fill records automatically. Using artificial intelligence, the app can recognise where the farmer is on the farm and what they are recording. It then builds an auditready pack at the click of a button, to show what else is required to reach 100% compliance. Users can access the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship, and Red Tractor assurance and Regeno can add other schemes with 24 hours’ notice. It is available via a subscription package. rMore from regeno.farm

Got a new product? JNew products are featured in each issue of Dairy Farmer. Please send details and pictures to Katie Fallon at katie.fallon@agriconnect.com, or call 07815 003 227.

60 DF Jan p60 61 R KJ.indd 2

steel fencing system, which offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional timber posts, has been launched by A Perry. Officially unveiled at FenceX 2025, the QuickClip system combines a fully formed Y-profile post with a reinforced plate for exceptional rigidity. The posts are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, providing a 40year guarantee against corrosion. The innovative clip-on wire system allows wire to be secured by hand, with no tools required, and significantly reduces installation time for contractors, while maintaining a consistent, secure fit for high-tensile fencing applications. To further enhance installation efficiency, A Perry has partnered

The QuickClip posts are galvanised steel, designed to last 40 years.

with Portek, which has developed a petrol post driver featuring a bespoke Y-shaped insert specifically designed for use with the QuickClip intermediate fence posts. The posts are fully compatible with the most common wire types used in agricultural fencing and

include pre-drilled holes for electric wire insulators. The QuickClip system is available now through A Perry’s network of agricultural merchants and trade distributors. rMore information from sales@ perrytrade.co.uk.

SHELBOURNE REYNOLDS UPGRADES DIET FEEDERS JShelbourne Reynolds has launched upgrades to its 2026 range of Powermix Wide Body 24m3 to 30m3 diet feeders, to further enhance the machines’ wear resistance and longevity. Four areas have been upgraded to stainless steel, including the bolt in sidewall panels, the centre auger tube, the auger flighting and the floor. This means all areas of the lower tub and auger that encounter feed are now made from stainless steel. Both tubs and augers are also welded with stainless steel welding

wire. A new optional centre-mounted rear door has also been introduced, enabling operators to discharge pre-mixes into bunkers from the rear of the machine. The 850mm front-mounted webbing conveyor is also featured, which is capable of elevating feed to both sides of the machine, while

maintaining a clear unobstructed view of material as it goes onto the conveyor. The Powermix Wide Body 24m3 comes with the standard steering rear axle combined with a 24-tonne parabolic sprung suspension assembly. rMore information from 01359 250 415.

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 8:57 am

Energised Calf Milks Containing 100% All Milk Protein

JA new Rainmaster clean water reel irrigator and new features for slurry tankers are set to be launched by Bauer at the LAMMA show this month. The Rainmaster A4 series reel irrigator enters the range between the current compact A series and larger T series. For use in smaller fields across all agricultural and horticultural cropping and livestock enterprises, it is available with Bauer’s own polyethylene (PE) hose in diameters up to 75mm and in lengths up to 250 metres. Flow rates of between 12 and 48m3 per hour help users finetune their irrigation schedules,

and Bauer’s wide-angle SR101 sprinkler delivers uniform water distribution across runs up to 70m wide. Like other mobile irrigators in the range, the A4 is built with galvanized steel components and highperformance PE hose. Bauer will also exhibit one of its poly-tankers at LAMMA, featuring a new contactless forced steering system for the rear axle. A new field application control software with field mapping, and a Vogelsang 24m Swing Max5 dribble, will also be launched. rMore information from a.tindall@bauer-at.com

NEW INNOVATIVE BOLUS TECHNOLOGY JFevara has announced the launch of Tracesure Advanced, a new all-in-one cattle bolus, designed to streamline supplementation. Its core mechanism is diffusion, where water continually penetrates the bolus, enabling the controlled release of essential trace elements into the rumen fluid. The bolus’ outer surface also gradually erodes over time and together, these two mechanisms ensure a consistent and reliable supply of trace elements throughout the bolus’ six-month active lifespan. A unique patented manufacturing process enables Tracesure Advanced to incorporate high levels of all essential trace elements into a single, compact bolus. In contrast, the legacy Tracesure product required copper to be delivered in a

separate bolus. Tracesure Advanced is now packaged in a weather-resistant, resealable container to safeguard bolus integrity when stored in typical farm conditions. The boluses are stacked within a cardboard inner for added protection during transit and the vertical presentation of the boluses makes handling and administration easier. The first product in the new ruminant bolus range, Tracesure Advanced Cattle, is available through an extensive network of distributors across the UK. rMore information from rachel.titterington@fevara.com

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JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p60 61 R KJ.indd 3

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61 18/12/2025 14:50

GOOD

Evans

‘We’d serve milkshakes, endless cups of tea and toasted cheese sandwiches’ This month Roger Evans reminisces about his days attending the Royal Welsh Show and his time spent on the First Milk stand there.

always used to enjoy my days at the Royal Welsh Show. For reasons I can’t remember, I always used to be the first on the First Milk stand. I’d make a cup of coffee and then stand at the front of the stand and watch the show waking up. I must have attended about 10 Royal Welsh Shows and I used to be there on the stand for the whole four days. I don’t think First Milk do a stand now, it’s probably too expensive, but in those days it was demanded of us by our members. It was refuge, a place to sit down and we used to serve our visiting members milkshakes, endless cups of tea and toasted cheese sandwiches. Quite often the first member on the stand, at about 9am, would be a dairy farmer from West Wales. He always had a cup of coffee. I think his main interest in life was politics, I didn’t understand a lot of it, all I had to do was say yes or no, but I had to concentrate in order to get them in the right places. He used to mention something called ‘the proletariat’ a lot. I’m not sure how you spell it, let alone what it means. Then, suddenly he would be gone and he hadn’t even mentioned the price of milk.

Chainsaw One year, I was standing at the front of the stand at about 9am and I saw a man carrying a brand-new chainsaw. I saw him several times that day and each time he was carrying the saw. Most of us, if we chose to buy a new saw, would pay for it and say we would call and collect it at around 5pm. It’s hard enough work walking around a show all day without a chainsaw clapped to your bosom.

62 DF Jan p62 63 R KJ.indd 2

Then there was another year, it was the Tuesday of the show and I was early as usual. As I went to make a cup of coffee, I couldn’t quite reach the kettle and made a lot of clatter. I went behind the counter and found a member of staff fast asleep. The noise I had made woke him up and he mumbled something about sleeping there because he couldn’t get into a bed and breakfast. I didn’t say anything, he could have been fiddling his expenses, couldn’t he? He returned to his car, put a clean shirt on and looked quite tidy. He worked very hard and was always looking sheepishly at me. I didn’t tell his boss; his secret was safe with me. By the Thursday of the show, most exhibitors have had enough and, by 3pm, stock lorries were starting to creep on to the showground.

Difficult Thursday afternoons were always difficult for us. We always had too much cheese. At that time we were making about 50,000 tonnes a year so it would have been unforgivable to run out. The trouble was that once you had taken cheese out of the system, you couldn’t put it back in again. Bar codes and traceability and that sort of stuff. So we had this dilemma; we had to find a home for all the cheese that was left over or it would simply get dumped. That would never do, so our priority was our members. So any member that called by for a drink on their way home had to stuff their pockets with wedges of cheese. They didn’t seem to mind this at all. By 4pm on one particular year, there was still cheese in the fridge so we shared it out with the staff,

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 8:56 am

I do remember that I thought that I had ripped the ice cream man off

me included. There was still some left over, so we did a barter deal with a man in a van selling ice cream. Everyone on the stand had a cornet. I can’t remember what the exchange rate was for cheese and ice cream, but I do remember that I thought that I had ripped the ice cream man off. There were still two or three pieces left and I put these towards two polo shirts for my grandsons. What I miss most of all from these years, is talking to the members, many of whom became my friends. Shortly after my laptop died, I dropped my mobile

down the loo and I lost all my contact details. That’s why I haven’t been in touch. I’m not as miserable as I look, which is probably just as well. Although I’ve been to the Royal Welsh Show lots of times, I’ve not seen a lot of it. When I retired from First Milk, I became a member of the show, but it’s not the same when you don’t have a base. All I had ever really saw was from the stand to the toilets and from the stand to the car.

Published February 20, 2026

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DAIRY SUPPLEMENT Display Deadline: Friday February 6, 2026 Classified Deadline: Monday February 16, 2026 Speak to Katie O’Hagan today and start converting our readers to your customers on 01772 799500

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JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p62 63 R KJ.indd 3

63 18/12/2025 14:51

Business Clinic The dairy market is adapting to a dramatic change in fortunes, with lower prices set to continue well into 2026. Cedric Porter reports.

Milk rollercoaster does not look like stopping

rices began 2025 at above 45ppl, about 15% above where they were the year before, and held steady for most of the year. Such high values prompted greater production, which reached record levels. On May 4, UK producers delivered 39 million litres of milk, a new daily record, with the volume

for the whole month at a record 1.459 billion. There has only been one other month when production has gone above 1.4 billion litres and that was April 2025. By the end of October, the UK had produced a record 15.648 billion litres in a 12-month period, 4.9% more than the year before and 22.1% higher than in 2010. The abundance of spring milk did overwhelm dairies, with some

farmers forced to dump milk after logistical issues and processing plant breakdowns. But a lack of supply across the globe, particularly in Europe, supported the UK price for most of the year.

Drought Even the prolonged drought in the south of England and Midlands did not lead to a dramatic reduction in UK production, with

producers in the west and north of the country able to produce plenty of silage. By the end of the summer and into the autumn, there was a change in market mood, with production in Europe and the rest of the world rising on the back of strong global prices. The change has been dramatic and many farmers are beginning 2026 with a milk price that starts

By the end of October, the UK had produced a record 15.648 billion litres of milk in a 12-month period.

64 DF Jan p64 65 R KJ.indd 2

JANUARY 2026 18/12/2025 16:10

Business Clinic SOURCE: DEFRA

UK monthly milk production (December forecast price estimates for Nov/Dec 2025) 18,000

16,000 50 14,000

30 8,000 20

6,000 4,000

10 2,000 0

0 2025

2024

2023

2022

PENCE PER LITRE

low spot prices. It is imperative going forward to engage your milk processors to try and provide accurate forecasting. “This forecasting of milk production might be one of the most important tasks in the future, with many processors likely to penalise quite heavily for over or under supply.” He added that low grain prices have meant feed costs are much lower and that has spurred production, but that equation is now changing. The AHDB milk-to-feed price ratio reached 1.60 in September – the higher the figure, the more affordable feed is compared to milk price. That was up from 1.44 the year before, up from 1.07 in July 2023 and the highest since 2007.

Persuaded The good returns for dairy producers during most of 2025 persuaded many to hang on who might have considered giving up. There were 7,010 dairy farmers in Great Britain in October 2025, according to the AHDB. That was a drop of 30 on the six months before. When prices plunged in early 2023, the number of producers exiting in the October 2022 to April 2023 period was 280. With fewer producers and record production, the average volume of milk produced per farm has soared from 1.57m litres in 2020 to 1.82m litres, an increase of 16%. But size alone will not ensure survival of herds, that will depend on the ability to negotiate an increasingly volatile market.

GB dairy producer numbers

Source: AHDB

9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000

JANUARY 2026 DF Jan p64 65 R KJ.indd 3

2025

2024

2022

2021

0 2020

Dairy-market watcher Rabobank estimates that global production rose 2% in 2025 at a time when the global population is rising at half that rate. The shock of plunging prices could result in production increasing by only 0.4% in 2026, but that would still be a record global figure. A danger point for UK producers comes during the spring when a flush could mean much too much milk and another drop in prices. Tom Cratchley, an Anderson’s consultant, speaking in the company’s outlook for 2026, said: “Neither farmer nor processor wants to see distressed milk trading at

2021

Global production

2020

a 7.2% increase in Cheddar prices will give producers some hope. The GDT auction index fell in the eight sales since early August, dropping by 21.6% in that time. The latest value was still 24% more than the August 2023 low. The 2020s has seen GDT prices jump 63% from January 2020 to the time of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, before plunging again by 47% by July 2023 to rising 58% in May 2025 and then falling again. Such volatility makes planning for all parts of the dairy chain difficult.

2019

with a three and many getting nearer 30ppl than 40ppl. Some who are having to sell at least a proportion of their milk on the spot market are getting below 20ppl. For many, the break even milk price is about 45ppl, so other sources of income, including selling for beef, will be vital to keep businesses going. Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that price pressure will last a while yet. The November 2025 wholesale bulk cream milk price was 34% less than the year before to £1,752/ tonne, dropping 12% in the month alone, according to the AHDB. Butter prices were down 35% in the year and 8% over the month to £4,290/t, with a 29% 12-month decline in mild Cheddar prices to £2,960/t. The fall in skimmed milk prices has been less dramatic – down 14% over the year and 1% during November to £1,800/t. Although most of the milk produced in the UK is consumed here, it is a market that is increasingly governed by global forces, with the current market firmly in ‘bear’ territory. The early December Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction saw a 4.3% drop in values, with a 12.4% plunge in butter prices, although

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

MILLION LITRES

2023

MILLION LITRES

10,000

PENCE PER LITRE

12,000

Grain prices remain under pressure, but the tumbling milk price will push that ratio down. Mr Cratchley said: “The market is now desperately looking for a reduction in milk supply from farmers. Now is the time to be proactive with culling, with dairy cull prices still at a high level. “Look at marginal litres; are there cows you should not be milking and are there expensive parts of the diet which could be stripped out? “While it is difficult to turn the taps off immediately, the industry needs co-operation and fewer litres, not more, especially in the run-up to the spring flush. The sooner the industry re-balances, the quicker the recovery will be.”

65 18/12/2025 16:10

Research Each cow will drink an average of 60-120 litres a day, and yet a lot more thought goes into their feed ration than their drinking water. Dairy Farmer reports.

s the absolute foundation of life – and making up about 87% of milk composition – ensuring that cows have access to unlimited clean water is vital. Unfortunately, a lot of borehole, spring, or even mains water is not clean – often it carries contaminants that might reduce water intake at best and might prove lethal at worst. Vet Phil Elkins, of FarmWater, says: “Water hygiene is an unconsidered area – few people realise what genuinely clean water is.” The farm-led service FarmWater has analysed 68 water samples from across the UK and found 78% were contaminated. Mr Elkins says that in human health most outbreaks of cryptosporidium are caused by contaminated water, and the same is likely to be true on farms. It is one of the most common causes of scours in calves, and yet it could be easily controlled, he adds.

Clean water critical to dairy cow health Health issues linked to contaminated water include cryptosporidium and mastitis.

Another health issue often linked to water is. “Contaminated water harbours a variety of micro-organisms

that, when introduced to the teat canal during milking, can trigger intramammary infections, leading to both clinical

IN THE FIELD MARY COOK, SMOKEY FARM, TAUNTON, SOMERSET ALREADY proven on poultry units, where the value of clean water to animal health and productivity is well-recognised, the FarmWater treatment system, which uses chlorine dioxide to kill harmful micro-organisms and clear biofilm from pipes, is now yielding significant benefits on dairy farms. Mary Cook hosted a FarmWater trial at Smokey Farm, Taunton, and has seen significant health benefits

in her 280 Holstein Friesian cows ever since. In the original 12-month trial she saw a 37% reduction in mastitis, an 81% decline in bactoscans and a 28% decrease in somatic cell counts (SCC). Since then, the situation has continued to improve, with further reductions in sub-clinical mastitis rates, bactoscans and bulk SCC. Ms Cook says: “Since installing the system, we have seen an overall improvement in the cows’ health and,

in turn, milk yields. Improved water quality is also noticeable in the troughs, as there is no algae build-up.” Even excluding the saving made through switching from 38,000 litres of mains water per day to borehole, Ms Cook expects the payback period to be under two-and-a-half years. Profits should increase by £6,000£7,000/year thereafter based on clinical mastitis reduction alone.

and sub-clinical mastitis,” says Mr Elkins. He adds that to help to combat these problems, it is important that water is sampled and analysed. However, he says that even clean water can be dirty by the time it reaches the cow. Mr Elkins adds: “Consider the infrastructure which gets water from source to trough – how often are those pipes properly cleaned and disinfected? What about the troughs, both in housing and in fields? “Contaminants can come from the environment – bird droppings, badger saliva, and cows’ own faecal matter often end up in troughs. If you would not drink it, you should not expect your cows to either.”

SOURCE: SMOKEY FARM

SMOKEY FARM TRIAL Parameter

Pre-treatment

12 months post-treatment

% change

Last 12 months

Cow numbers Mastitis rate per 100 cows/year Bulk tank somatic cell count - ’000 cells/ml Bulk tank % > 100,000 cells/ml Bulk tank bactoscan % >50 Proportion ISCC >200,000 cells/ml

264 27

252 17

-5% -37%

282 17

119 72% 24% 11%

86 22% 7% 9%

-28% -69% -18%

80 11% 4% 7%

Phil Elkins

DF Jan p66 KJ.indd 2

JANUARY 2026

18/12/2025 9:17 am

14-15 January 2026

Dairy & Beef Hub New at LAMMA 2026 This purpose built-hub will bring together the very best in livestock management, equipment, and agri-tech solutions. Join us for the agricultural event of the year, taking place 14–15 January at the NEC Birmingham. Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry. Scan the QR code or visit lammashow.co.uk

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14 - 15 January 2026 NEC Birmingham

Shaping the Future of British Farming Join us at the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to tackling agricultural climate goals and showcasing energy solutions to provide a sustainable farming future. With Net Zero targets approaching and policy continuing to shift, farmers need solutions that are both sustainable and profitable. Low Carbon Agriculture 2026 brings those solutions together under one roof. Co-located with LAMMA and CropTec, we’re uniting farmers to secure agricultural prosperity in the face of change.

Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Scan the QR code to register in advance for free entry.

lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk Hosted by

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Co-located with

15/12/2025 12:03:43 18/12/2025 11:21