The number of dairy farms in Shropshire has almost halved in the past 10 years, new figures show.

Data from DairyCo showed that in 2002 there were 766 dairy farms in the county, but by June this year the number had dropped to 452.

The figures show a gradual decline in the number of dairy farms in Shropshire, which 595 in operation in 2005, falling to 459 by 2010.

Oliver Cartwright, a spokesman for the National Farmers’ Union in Shropshire, said there are a number of possible reasons behind the decline.

“We always find it worrying to learn of Shropshire farms going out of dairying but there are many reasons including retirement, the problems caused by bovine tuberculosis and farmers going into other sectors that are more profitable,” he said.

“However, to secure the future of county dairy farms a better, more realistic price needs to be passed back at farm gate.

“Dairy farmers need the confidence to invest and at the moment many are locked in contracts which offer them a poor return, on average around three pence per litre below the cost of production, and the market is skewed, complex and lacks transparency.

“Our dairy farmers are languishing around the bottom of the EU milk price league table and the NFU is fighting for a better deal for the sector, pushing for improved milk contracts, higher prices and a supply chain that works properly.”

Mr Cartwright added that there is a wide variety of dairy farming systems in the county.

“Each one will have been carefully selected to suit the local conditions, the breed of cow and size of the herd. Regardless, the welfare of the dairy cow is of fundamental importance to all Shropshire dairy farmers and those across the country,” he said.

“The dairy industry has changed a lot over the past 20 years as farmers take advantage of new technologies in breeding, milking and farming systems.

“This progress is not something to fear. It means that we are constantly finding new and better ways to manage our cows while continuing to deliver the huge range of quality, British dairy products that our county customers enjoy.

He said Shropshire farmers adhere to world-leading standards of stockmanship, hygiene and animal welfare.