Consolidation Continues in Great Britain's Dairy Sector
Source: dairynews.today
Despite declining numbers of dairy farms, milk production per farm in Great Britain is increasing.
Great Britain has experienced a decline in the number of dairy farms, with nearly 200 farms lost over the past year, according to AHDB figures. By April 2025, the number of dairy producers was estimated at 7,040, a reduction of 160 since October, and down by 190 producers or 2.6% compared to April 2024.
The majority of these exits occurred in the winter months, a trend linked to increased seasonal costs and evolving industry requirements. Despite fewer farms, milk production per farm has risen, with the average annual output reaching an estimated 1.77 million litres, reflecting a 4% increase. This shift signals the emergence of fewer but larger dairy enterprises. The average herd size on commercial farms has grown to 165 cows, up by four from 2023 and nine from 2022.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the 2025/26 milk year suggests a production high of 12.83 billion litres, a 3.1% increase. Tracking the exact number of active producers remains challenging due to varied reporting methods, a situation compounded by the voluntary nature of deregistration. The Food Standards Agency provides a system to track producer numbers, but unregistered exits may go unrecorded.
The majority of these exits occurred in the winter months, a trend linked to increased seasonal costs and evolving industry requirements. Despite fewer farms, milk production per farm has risen, with the average annual output reaching an estimated 1.77 million litres, reflecting a 4% increase. This shift signals the emergence of fewer but larger dairy enterprises. The average herd size on commercial farms has grown to 165 cows, up by four from 2023 and nine from 2022.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the 2025/26 milk year suggests a production high of 12.83 billion litres, a 3.1% increase. Tracking the exact number of active producers remains challenging due to varied reporting methods, a situation compounded by the voluntary nature of deregistration. The Food Standards Agency provides a system to track producer numbers, but unregistered exits may go unrecorded.
