Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays - Farmers Weekly

Latest News About Farmers trade wheat for cattle as profits slip

UK farmers are shifting away from arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices rise. High fertiliser costs are squeezing cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins tighten. Fertiliser prices declined but remain excessively steep for many, and many growers cope. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters busy in dry weather, the heat has also parched the land. The blazes hit local farms and sparked safety issues, local communities watch. Paul Burke now leads England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he succeeded his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are establishing trees instead of wheat, as part of a shift. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops challenging for many families dealing with rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming declines, aiming to counterbalance income loss.

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