Farming Talk: Welfare of herd is top of dairy farmers’ agenda

The latest DairyCo Farmer Intentions Survey results tell us that the health and welfare of dairy cows comes top in dairy farmers’ priorities and is the first place that they would invest money if they have the opportunity.

For the first time in the survey, dairy farmers were asked, if they were given £1,000 per cow to spend over the next two years, where would they invest.

The answers show that just over half of the money would be spent on modernising buildings and equipment and cow welfare, with the remainder split between business expansion, NVZ compliance and reducing debt.

When it comes to the amounts farmers are really planning to invest, a confident message came out with more farmers planning to invest more.

Twenty four per cent were planning to spend £50,000 to £150,000 over the next five years, and 13 per cent plan to invest £150,000 to £500,000. This is a seven per cent increase on last year’s survey. Only 12 per cent said they were planning to invest nothing, a considerable decline from the 35 per cent recorded in 2011.

The message that the health and welfare of dairy cows is at the top of any dairy farmer’s agenda is emphasised in another recently launched DairyCo report. Progress has been developed by DairyCo for stakeholders who are not levy-payers.

It brings together the work that we are doing to support dairy farmers and highlights the achievements and progress of the dairy industry in meeting environmental and animal welfare demands and importantly consumer expectations.

Speaking about the report, DairyCo chairman Tim Bennett says: “Progress outlines the excellent work being undertaken to address potential concerns relating to business performance, environmental impact and animal welfare. GB dairy farming is a forward thinking, resourceful and responsible industry keen to develop further. DairyCo and the industry recognise that there is still work to do, so we support that development with sound science.”

The report highlights key initiatives including the introduction of the DairyCo Research Partnerships.

Set up in June 2011, DairyCo has been working and continues to work with farmers, veterinarians, NGO’s and academia to research areas of concern and provide an evidence-based approach to improving animal welfare.

Hugh Black, DairyCo extension officer