cows

Dairy production is a critical component of the agriculture industry focused on the sustainable production of milk and milk-derived products.

Key aspects include animal health and welfare, milk quality, and efficient processing techniques. Sustainable and ethical practices, alongside technological advancements, play a vital role in ensuring the quality, quantity, and environmental responsibility of dairy production. Please share tools, information and resources relevant to dairy production.

UK Dairy Industry Statistics September 2021:

  • The UK is the thirteenth-largest milk producer in the world.
  • Milk accounted for 16.4% of total agricultural output in the UK in 2020 and was worth £4.4bn in market prices.
  • The total number of UK dairy cows has fallen from 2.6 million in 1996 to 1.9 million in 2020, a 28% reduction.
  • The UK produced 15.3 billion litres of milk in 2020, the highest annual figure since 1990.
  • In 2019, the UK recorded a trade surplus in volume terms for dairy for the first time since records began (1997). This surplus continued in 2020 although it reduced in size.
  • In 2020, the UK had a negative trade balance in butter and cheese, but a positive trade balance in milk and cream.
  • Farm-gate milk prices for June 2021 were 30.4 pence per litre, up from a low of 21.5 ppl in August 2016.
  • Between 1995 and today, doorstep delivery has declined from 45% to 3% of the retail milk market, despite increases during the pandemic.
  • Supply chains were disrupted following the lockdown imposed to suppress the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020. Milk prices recovered later in the year.
  • Exports of dairy products to the EU decreased following the end of the EU Exit transition period.

Full Parliamentary briefing paper

Reducing the carbon footprint of milk

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Does extended pasture resting after grazing improve soil microbiology and soil health?

Dairy farmers in the south west of England are exploring whether they can improve soil whilst maintaining forage quality when adopting longer resting periods after defoliation.

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Whatever your challenges, from practical to strategic, Kingshay have the expertise to help you get the best from your farm.

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The dairy sector is often in the firing line when it comes to the criticism cows receive for their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This is despite total emissions from UK dairy production falling by 16.1% between 1990 and 2020.

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The TB Advisory Service is proud to be hosting the second national TB conference. This is a unique opportunity to bring together all those involved in TB control ensuring a collaborative approach.

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