When reflecting on the year for the UK dairy industry, I think we can comfortably say it's been pretty good. Although it has had challenges, with rising input costs and the summer drought in the south putting pressure on forage stocks, the long-awaited rise in milk price has more than helped.
I don't think when writing the same welcome note in 2021 that anyone would have predicted milk prices being where they are at the moment at 48.80 pence per litre for September 22. This is an increase of 2.09 above the August average and way above the rolling five-year average of 31.46 pence/litre.
At the time of writing, the October average is predicted to sit higher still at 50.44ppl. How long that will last is a good question, with the number of litres coming through increasing. However, let's hope, at last, the true value of this nutritious product from our nation's dairy cows is being realised.
At the RABDF, we reflect on 2022 as a year for great achievement. It's been rewarding to see our live events return at full throttle and, in addition, launch a new one. The demand for Down to Earth, which took place in June, was more than we could have hoped for, with over 1,800 visitors and industry personnel walking through the gates at Longnor Farm in Shropshire.
The buzz from that event was tremendous, and it showed the desire of livestock farmers to learn more about regenerative farming. As such, we have just launched the Down to Earth North and South for 2023.
We have two fantastic farms lined up in Cumbria and Somerset. Both are contrasting with Neil Bakers farm in Somerset, a high input, high output all-year round dairy herd, and at Mark Lee's farm in Cumbria, the herd is organic and grass-based. More information on both these events will be launched in due course. Do keep posted at www.projectdowntoearth.com
Although there is still much uncertainty in the industry with regards to inflation, input costs and the rollout of the Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMS), we do hope that Dairy-Tech taking place on February 1 at Stoneleigh Park can help remove some of that for farmers. We have Farming Minister Mark Spencer speaking during several slots, along with Fran Edmunds, Head of Policy at Defra. We will also have lots of other speakers ready to answer your questions and shed some light on the state of the dairying nation. Find out more about what's on at www.dairy-tech.uk
That just leaves me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and may 2023 be a healthy, happy and prosperous one.
Matt Knight