GB Dairy Herd Experiences Record Low as Productivity Rises

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) recently reported a significant reduction in the Great Britain milking herd, which in October 2025 numbered 1.63 million head, marking the lowest count for October on record. This represents a 0.9% drop compared to the same month in the previous year. Furthermore, the total GB herd decreased by 1.3% year-on-year, now standing at 2.51 million head.

Analysis of age categories within the herd shows varying trends. The most notable decline was in heifers aged two to four years, which fell by 28,000 head. The under-two years age category also experienced a decrease of 19,000 head, continuing a downward trend observed since October 2022. Conversely, the four to six years age group saw an increase of 18,000 head, a change attributed to calves from the 2021 youngstock boom now reaching maturity.

Older age categories showed less fluctuation. The six to eight years age group saw a marginal increase of nearly 1,000 head, while those over eight years decreased by 6,000 head. Despite the overall reduction in herd size, the record-breaking milk deliveries indicate a shift towards enhanced productivity, driven by higher yields per cow.

The AHDB also highlighted that with declining milk prices and pressure on commodity prices, farmers are likely to cull older or underperforming cows to capitalize on strong cull cow prices in the upcoming months.