NFU Dairy Production Intentions Survey & the future for dairy

Unfortunately Chris Walkland has to deliver another generally downbeat milk market report, after which Will and Ben are joined by Michael Oakes, farmer and NFU Dairy Board Chair and Edward Lott, Managing Director at Kite to discuss the NFU’s latest dairy production intentions survey. They discuss the number of dairy farmers exiting the industry over the past 12 months and the current sentiment and outlook in light of milk price and current Costs of Production. They discuss the importance of learning lessons from previous challenging times and creating resilient businesses capable of living with increasing cycles of price volatility whilst hoping for a more positive outlook in quarter 4. Michael talks through the purpose of the intention survey and how the data will be used to inform their work & lobby Government to make a difference and improve the future for dairy, including highlighting the concerns in the dairy supply chain, the negative impact of the loss of farms on the rural economy and a need to encourage government investment. Becki talks about the enthusiasm of the next generation coming into the industry and bringing enthusiasm and innovation.