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

Latest News About Dairy boom drives UK arable farms to change

UK farmers are moving off arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices climb. High fertiliser costs are cutting into cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins shrink. Fertiliser prices declined but remain unaffordable for many, and many growers strive. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters on alert in dry weather, the heat has also parched the land. The blazes hit local farms and sparked safety issues, local communities watch. Paul Burke now heads England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he succeeded his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are planting trees instead of wheat, as part of a trend. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops tough for many families confronting rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming wanes, aiming to counterbalance income loss.

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