Dairy

The British Sheep Dairying Association (BSDA) has voiced its concerns about the future viability of member businesses with processors cancelling sheep milk orders as a result of the spreading virus.

For the first time the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club spring dairy bull sale at Carlisle was staged completely online with trade topping at 4,600gns to average almost £2,600.

Recent milk market turmoil due to Covid-19 impact on supply chains has led to a series of dairy crisis meetings taking place across industry to seek ‘meaningful action’ and avoid a national catastrophe.

Farm groups have joined forces to help farmers navigate the cashflow crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with banks being urged to be ’flexible’. 

Freshways is the latest processor to further cut and delay milk payments with its boss citing ‘choked up’ markets as a result of Covid-19 making it more difficult to handle surplus milk.

Farmers and crofters across Scotland have united to produce a video to reassure the general public they will continue to work hard to feed the nation as the Covid-19 lockdown continues.

Amidst all the show cancellations there is glimmer of hope of a return to normality as directors of AgriScot plan for the event to carry on as scheduled on Wednesday November 18.   

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has called on the UK Government to take advantage of any EU cash made available to support farmers through the coronavirus crisis.

NFUS vice-president Martin Kennedy has highlighted the drastic fall in air pollution in UK cities as a result of lockdown measures has confirmed agriculture as ‘part of the solution’ to mitigating climate change.

With many farmers missing the regular trip to the hairdressers due to Covid-19 lockdown, a new scheme has been devised to solve the problem and raise money for charity at the same time.