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.
Sources & References
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Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays - Farmers Weekly
Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays Farmers Weekly
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Major incident declared as Cairngorms wildfire forces village evacuation - The Scottish Farmer
Major incident declared as Cairngorms wildfire forces village evacuation The Scottish Farmer
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Transition Farmer: Tree planting brings SFS frustration - Farmers Weekly
Transition Farmer: Tree planting brings SFS frustration Farmers Weekly
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Hedging a passion, risk management tool for Saskatchewan farmer - The Western Producer
Hedging a passion, risk management tool for Saskatchewan farmer The Western Producer
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'Thinking of forestry, I'd definitely say go ahead' - Westmeath beef farmer - Agriland
'Thinking of forestry, I'd definitely say go ahead' - Westmeath beef farmer Agriland