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Dairy Costings Focus Report 2025
Dairy Costings Focus Report 2025 – 14th Edition - shows buoyant milk year!
The last milk year was a positive one for dairy producers, with continued improvements in cow health and growing momentum in the organic milk sector.
Although the dreadful weather over the summer of 2024 saw yields from forage drop sharply, the reasonably high milk price and lower feed costs meant margins remained firm. In fact, given the most favourable milk price: feed price ratio since 2001, the average margin over purchased feed (MOPF) was the strongest for a very long time, bar the milk spikes of 2022.
All reported health indicators saw year-on-year improvements. Mastitis dropped to 24 cases per 100 cows (down by two), and lameness from 37 to 34 cases per 100 cows. However, fertility last year saw a bit of a slide, most likely due to the poor-quality forage. Calving intervals extended by a day to 394 days, and days to first service crept up by two days to 72.
Sheeting the Clamp
With clamp losses, due to ineffective sheeting and poor fermentation, typically around 20% - and the best farmers achieving 10% from field to feed out - most could challenge themselves to do better. Ultimately, taking the time to sheet and seal the clamp effectively at harvest will safeguard silage quality, boost intakes and prevent costly forage losses.
This Dairy Insight explores how to create the ideal environment for your silage clamp, the different silage sheeting options available, and which choices will best support effective fermentation. Make the right decisions now to save money this winter.
Dairy Insight Extra - Capital Grants Scheme 2025
The Capital Grant Scheme 2025 application window opened on the 3rd July 2025 and will close once the £150 million on offer is committed, so it’s not worth waiting around to apply!
Applicants are able to apply for 3-year agreements offering 78 capital items which are grouped under 4 funding limits including air quality, boundaries, trees & orchards, flood management and water quality.
Read all about the recent grants announcement and how you can make the most of the funding available.
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