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Scottish dairy farms fall to record low level
Cattle vet
The number of dairy farms in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 1903.

2016 a ‘horrible experience’ for many farmers

New figures released by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA) reveal that the number of dairy farms in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 1903.

The figures show that while the number of dairy cows also dropped - from 2529 to 173,306 - it is is still the second highest figure since 1997.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Janette Mathie, secretary of the SDCA, said that 2016 had been a horrible experience for many dairy farmers, with farm-gate prices below the cost of production for much of the year.

“Prices now show an improving trend which I hope will continue to rise in line with the world market for dairy products,” she said.

“The SDCA would strongly advocate that industry-funded bodies spend a far larger share of their funding on promoting dairy produce to the public, which in turn would benefit both the producer and milk processor.”

George Jamieson, NFU Scotland dairy policy manager, revealed that he was surprised that more farmers hadn’t left the industry, despite the pressures they are under.

“A lot of people are still on the edge, but I hope they will pull through. For the future, we need more trust and collaboration in the supply chain and contracts that are fit for purpose,” he said.

“We need a supply chain that can manage volume, price volatility and shares the risks and rewards."



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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.