Northern Ireland Dairy Farmers Facing Severe Financial Pressures

Dairy farmers in Northern Ireland are currently grappling with severe financial challenges, as highlighted by the Traditional Unionist Voice's agricultural spokesperson, Samuel Morrison. He pointed out that milk prices, which offered some stability at 44.56p/L last autumn, have plummeted to as low as 32.3p/L. This sharp decline poses a direct threat to the financial viability of many dairy farms.

The reduction in milk prices has coincided with persistently high production costs, including expenses for feed, fertiliser, fuel, energy, and veterinary services. Morrison noted that the cost of producing milk now often exceeds the price received by farmers, forcing them to subsidize production from their own pockets.

As a result, some farmers are reducing herd sizes, delaying essential investments, or even contemplating leaving the dairy industry. This trend poses a risk to rural communities and the resilience of the local food system, as once a dairy farm shuts down, it rarely reopens.

Morrison emphasized the role of dairy farming in Northern Ireland's rural identity and the production of world-class dairy products. He called for policy-makers, processors, and retailers to address the financial imbalance to prevent the loss of individual businesses and a vital part of Northern Ireland's cultural heritage.

The annual RUAS Winter Fair, a key event in the agricultural calendar, will occur next week, providing a platform for dairy farmers to discuss these pressing issues amid new innovations and prize-winning livestock displays.