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

Latest News About Rising costs push British growers toward dairy

UK farmers are moving off arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices rise. High fertiliser costs are pressuring cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins tighten. Fertiliser prices slipped but remain excessively steep for many, and many growers cope. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters busy in dry weather, the heat has also parched the land. The blazes hit local farms and highlighted safety issues, local communities monitor. Paul Burke now heads England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he succeeded his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are sowing trees instead of wheat, as part of a trend. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops challenging for many families dealing with rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming fades, aiming to counterbalance income loss.

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