Stories

Wed, 27 May 2026

Wed, 27 May 2026 Farmers' warning as milk prices fall below cost

Farmers worry more family farms will be sold unless dairy prices rise quickly.

* The price gap is causing concerns for the future of the industry, with many young farmers wanting to enter the profession facing uncertain prospects.
* Ben Yates, a dairy farmer from Somerset, warns that if prices don't improve, "there'll be no industry left" and his sons may not be able to follow in his footsteps.
* Tom Kimber, a 10th generation dairy farmer, agrees, stating that it's "terrifying" and "can't be done much longer like this".
* Industry figures show the number of dairy farms has fallen to a record low, with 7,010 farms remaining from 8,310 in 2020.
* Despite an increase in total milk production, farmers are concerned about the economics of small family farms, which are often unable to break even due to fluctuating milk prices and rising costs.