The extreme weather conditions have dealt a heavy blow to livestock operations, wiping an estimated 18.5 million litres off national milk yields in recent weeks. NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey reported that stagnant grass growth and degraded pasture quality have forced dairy producers across the country to open winter silage clamps and purchase costly supplementary feeds months ahead of schedule. Industry leaders warn that using winter feed reserves during the summer risks triggering severe forage shortages and inflated feed expenses in the coming winter.
Although falling production volumes have driven spot milk prices higher, the NFU highlighted a widening and unsustainable gap in farmgate returns. While some producers are receiving over 40 pence per litre (ppl), many dairy farmers remain trapped on contracts paying in the mid-to-late 20s—significantly below current costs of production. Harvey urged processors and retailers to communicate transparently, adhere to newly enacted fair dealing legislation, and ensure equitable pricing structures across the supply chain.
The prolonged dry spell has similarly impacted arable producers, who face a difficult harvest following disappointing yields in the prior growing season. NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows emphasized the urgent need for targeted investment in drought- and disease-resilient crop varieties. Additionally, Burrows called for supply chain fairness reviews and updates to the national planning framework to facilitate on-farm water storage construction, helping growers manage future climate volatility.