Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched a free Coronavirus safety service to help farmers through one of the most challenging harvests since the Second World War.
The insurer has put together an 85-strong virtual field force of farm health and safety experts to provide the information farmers need to protect themselves and farm workers from COVID-19 through the busiest period in the farming year.
NFU Mutual provides insurance for over three quarters of the UK’s farmers and thousands of other rural businesses – and all these policyholders will be able to use the new service free of charge from Monday 4 May by visiting www.nfumutual.co.uk/business-service
The service will be delivered by NFU Mutual’s Risk Management Services who provide guidance to thousands of farmers and other businesses across the UK.
Farmers can make a request online to get a call back from a consultant and discuss the COVID-19 concerns their businesses are dealing with. They will also be able to download online resources about maintaining social distancing at work and how to manage contractors, visitors and new staff who may have little or no experience of agriculture to help them understand the hazards present on farms.
Ian Jewitt, Managing Director from NFU Mutual Risk Management Services (RMS), said: “Farmers are under intense pressure to keep the nation fed and desperately need specific information on how they can keep themselves, their families, employees and customers safe from Coronavirus during the busiest time in the farming year.
“Bringing in extra workers at harvest now presents huge challenges – from how to regularly wash your hands when you’re working in a field to how you sanitise machinery so someone else can use it. Businesses are also providing their services in new ways, from offering drive-thru farm shops to delivering goods directly to customers.
“Farmers are time poor and it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through the web of health and safety information available and knowing what to trust. The new RMS COVID-19 service connects farmers to real specialists who can listen to concerns and provide practical solutions to these challenges so that farmers can be confident that they can stay safe this summer.”
The service will be available to help with Coronavirus protection for a wide range of agribusinesses ranging from farmers and growers, packers to hauliers, food manufacturers to retailers, as they adapt their working practices.
Ian Jewitt added: “We want to encourage businesses to take advantage of this free service to get our customers back on their feet and put them in the safest position for the future. Coronavirus has made us all rethink how we put safety first, to protect ourselves and others – and the same goes for risks on the farm. By adopting good practices now, we can help the industry to come out better, safer and stronger when the pandemic is over.”
Farming continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK and it is feared that many of these risks could be exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
To help the countryside through Coronavirus NFU Mutual has already announced a £32m support package including donations for national and local rural charities and changes to insurance cover to protect its policy holders. These include free extended public liability cover for farmers selling their own produce directly to the public and an additional temporary uplift on stock. NFU Mutual is also including insurance for COVID-19 in Personal Accident and Group Personal Accident policies.
To find out more please visit the RMS Coronavirus Health and Safety Business Service www.nfumutual.co.uk/business-service
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, is heading up an innovative matchmaking service to help hospitals source local milk for their patients, potentially creating a robust supply chain for dairy farmers.
Love British Food, the leading national promoter of British food, is using its network of connections to link up local hospitals looking to source produce, with farmers in the area who are looking to supply. Dairy farmers who are struggling in the current climate are being encouraged to get in touch with the service.
Working with the chair of the Hospital Food Review, the organisation recently set out a pathway to help hospitals source more British food. It is expected to be published in the coming months.
A ‘quick win’ for hospitals
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, there had been much media coverage about the benefits of alternative milk products, such as oat milk, which are often touted as being ‘better for the environment’ than cows’ milk. However, this is not so in hospitals and care homes, who value the nutritious qualities of cows’ milk, Alexia says.
“In hospital, you’re not being offered oat milk or almond milk, you’re being offered cows’ milk. Hospitals want the nutritional value of milk and patients in hospitals need this,” she says. “The same is true in care homes, where one of the biggest challenges is keeping weight on the elderly, and milk and dairy is seen as a key part of that.”
Hospitals order on average one pint of milk per patient per day, Alexia says, making the NHS one of the biggest purchasers of milk in the country. “I feel therefore that they offer one of the most certain and confident local supply chains to dairy farmers,” she explains.
The NHS supply chain food buying organisation has set hospitals in England a target of sourcing 20 per cent of their food from small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), meaning hospitals will be looking at how to meet that target. Milk is an “easy, quick win”, Alexia says, as it is easier to source locally than some other products.
Securing the future
With the dairy sector facing serious challenges in the wake of Covid-19, which has forced many farmers to dump milk, while others have suffered price cuts or lack of payment, some farmers may be considering whether it is feasible to continue in business.
While this initiative with local hospitals may not necessarily offer a short term fix, it could put dairy farmers and their families in a position where they can start conversations with their local hospitals, with the potential to establish a new robust local supply chain – giving them the confidence to keep milking cows, to keeping farming.
One hospital the organisation works with is Nottingham University Hospital, which sources all of its meat in the East Midlands and all of its milk from the local dairy. Meanwhile one pig farmer is still in business thanks to a supplier agreement with a local hospital, which buys all of his pork.
However, there are caveats, Alexia says, emphasising that “it is not simple, it is not easy”. Dairy farmers will need to link up with local processors and this may involve co-operatives being put in place. For hospitals with a framework contract, they could change suppliers immediately, while for others it may take longer.
In the current pandemic situation, it is also worth noting that the demand for milk may not be at the same level as usual due to the cancellation of routine operations, but once these start back up again, hospitals will once again need to source 1pt of milk per patient per day.
Alexia says the “door is open” and the NHS is interested in having these discussions and putting arrangements in place.
While she is clear that there is “no magic wand” and supplying to local hospitals is not a solution to the current crisis many dairy farmers are facing, it offers an opportunity for a robust supply chain in the future, and potentially a beacon of hope to those considering whether or not to leave the business.
“For those dairy farmers that have seen the fragility of what happens when the pubs and restaurants close, hospitals are never going to be shut,” Alexia points out. “The NHS is a good customer.
“It’s about putting in place building blocks for the future. It’s about giving farmers a reason to continue to invest, to keep farming.”
Although there is no guarantee that every introduction will result in a successful business arrangement, Alexia believes there is “huge potential” and it is a “realistic” target to get hospitals sourcing 65 per cent of their food locally or domestically.
“I think we’ll see hospital food transform in the medium term,” she predicts, based on the NHS supply chain, the targets put in place, and the Hospital Food Review. “The opportunity to be part of that is very real for dairy farmers. The message is, get your place in the queue. Start those conversations. It might not be easy, but you’ll sow the seed.”
Dairy farmers looking to find out more about the matchmaking service can contact jane@lovebritishfood.co.uk
Temporary shutdown assembly lines are restarting this week at the German AGCO locations Marktoberdorf, Asbach-Bäumenheim, Waldstetten and Hohenmölsen.
Important suppliers in Europe and worldwide are now delivering parts again on schedule and reliably after an interruption of several weeks due to coronavirus. After intensive discussions between the management, works council, company physicians, health management and the occupational safety officers, numerous measures for the protection of Fendt employees at the assembly lines, the parts production and in the offices have been implemented.
Christoph Gröblinghoff, chairman at AGCO/Fendt management said: “We are very pleased that the supply chains are intact again and that our highly motivated Fendt team can get back to work in a concentrated manner. This week the assembly lines with high daily production rates are starting again. The changeover of the tractor assembly to a two-shift model is protecting our employees and it also brings, together with other measures, additional production capacities to partly, or, if necessary, completely work up the backlog. This enables us to deliver the ordered Fendt tractors and Fendt Full-Line machines to our customers via the Fendt sales partners as soon as possible and contribute to securing the food production that is classified as system relevant.”
At the transmission and tractor factory in Marktoberdorf, the switch to a two-shift model on the assembly line provides greater protection for employees and at the same time additional production capacity for reducing the production backlog. In a few areas where the safety distance cannot be maintained despite two-shift operation, the wearing of mouth-nose protection masks will be made mandatory.
Extensive risk analyses were also carried out in all other areas of the company and appropriate measures implemented. In the offices for example the rolling presence models with Homeoffice will be continued wherever possible. Through the rearrangement of desks, the setting up of plexiglass panels and the limitation of participants in the numerous meeting and social rooms the compliance of the minimum distance of 1.5 meters is also possible. Furthermore many measures for the intensive hand and surface hygiene at the work space have been implemented. Additional disinfectant dispensers are available in the bath and social rooms. In addition, there will be significantly expanded disinfection and cleaning plans in all buildings and areas of AGCO sites in Germany.
Supporting emergency services with self-produced face shields from the 3D printer
The factory manager Thorsten Miethe and the employees at the European AGCO competence centre for Fendt comfort cabins at the location Asbach-Bäumenheim are producing so-called ‘Face Shields’ from the 3D printer since the beginning of April. Fendt is providing the emergengy service of the Bavarian Red Cross in Nordschwaben and other medical facilities with face protection shields free of charge. “The feedback so far is extremely positive. The medical personnel like to use them because they are light and comfortable to wear,” says factory manager Thorsten Miethe.
The three winners of the “Up to Speed” scheme run by New Holland and The Prince’s Countryside Fund have been announced. Donald MacSween, Rob David, and Abbi Mason have each won the use of a New Holland machine for a year – a Telehandler, a T6 tractor, and a Boomer 40 compact tractor.
The scheme provides cutting-edge machinery to young people, new entrants, or those who will make a difference in their local community but would otherwise not have access to this type of farm machinery.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a charity set up in 2010 to improve the prospects for those living and working in farming and rural communities, entered into a partnership with New Holland, a major British tractor manufacturer with a largescale production facility for T6 & T7 tractors in Basildon, in early 2020. The first year of the Up to Speed scheme saw nearly 50 Farmers apply from all across the UK.
This year, the winners were:
Donald Macsween, from the Isle of Lewis, swapped his job with the local authority to become a crofter and has built up his crofting business to be a full-time job. He has 500 laying hens, 150 breeding ewes, Gloucester Old Spot pigs and some Highland cows. He said: “I have been dreaming of a telehandler for a few years but I haven’t been able to afford one. This will make such a difference to me and my neighbours, we can now be much more efficient and safer in the work that we do. I currently have a 40-year-old tractor, so I will have to get up to speed with how technology has improved!”
Rob David, 22, is from South Wales and has won the use of a T6 tractor. He set up his business with just handful of ewes whilst studying for his A-levels, persuading his teachers to buy his meat boxes. Over the past five years his business has grown, and Rob now sells directly to pubs, restaurants and local supermarkets. He said: “The use of the tractor over the forthcoming year will enable me to take on more and bigger blocks of land further from home, allowing me to hopefully to expand my flock and reach my business targets.”
Abbi Mason, who runs Big Meadow, a Community Supported Agriculture venture in Gower, Wales, has won the use of a Boomer 40 compact tractor. She said: “We are in our first year of operation, aiming to provide 50 households with a weekly organic veg share from July this year. Having access to the Boomer will give us the best possible start, enabling us to cultivate the beds exactly when we need to for optimum soil health. We will be hosting twice weekly volunteer days as well as working with local primary schools, youth and community groups to provide educational field days – exploring the value and importance of locally grown food.”
Mark Crosby, New Holland UK & ROI Marketing Manager said: “The selection process has been very tough as we received so many applications from a lot of enthusiastic and talented individuals. We are extremely proud and pleased to lend our machines to Donald, Rob and Abbi. Their passion for their businesses really showed during the process, as well as their great capabilities as self-starters. We hope they will be able to make the most out of our machines, helping their business grow and succeed, while also supporting their local communities. We, at New Holland, are very keen on championing our winners as industry ambassadors, and are proud to back local production with one of our British built tractors as a prize.”
Claire Saunders, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with New Holland, to provide these three inspiring farmers, Donald, Rob and Abbi, with such tremendous machines, which I have no doubt will help get their businesses ‘Up to Speed’.”
The Fund and New Holland plan to run the “Up to Speed” scheme again in early 2021. Find out more HERE.
BASF has announced their new 2020 innovation offer, inviting farmers to scan their cans to be in with a chance of winning a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone with full training to Civil Aviation Authority standards.
Powered by a 12-megapixel sensor, DJI’s flagship drone offers dynamic shots from wide angle to mid-range, allowing film and images to be captured at heights of up to 500m. With an autofocused tracking system, the aircraft offers 31 minutes of flight time with low-noise propellers and speeds of up to 72kph.
The Innovation offer, which returns for the third time this year, includes can scans of BASF’s new fungicide Revystar XE as well as Adexar.
Murielle Moille, BASF Cereal Fungicide Campaign Manager commented on the offer: “Following a difficult winter, farmers will be looking to protect their crops to offer the highest optimum yield. Revystar XE is a unique solution containing the first Isopropanol-Azole Revysol, and the leading SDHI, Xemium. The combination of these two different modes of action ensures an outstanding efficacy on a broad spectrum of diseases, and shows an unprecedented long-lasting protection, giving your greater confidence and farm workload flexibility.
“Including Adexar in the offer gives farmers the opportunity to benefit from our innovation offer whilst also providing a strong fungicide programme.”
Mrs Moille added, “Our previous innovation offers have built long-standing friendships with the winners still talking regularly via their WhatsApp groups. I look forward to welcoming the 2020 winners to our community network when we bring them together for their drone training. Good luck to everyone scanning their cans”
Farmers need to scan just one can of Revystar XE or Adexar to receive a water bottle with integrated wireless earbuds. By scanning three cans, they will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 150 Leatherman SuperTools and if they scan five cans, they will be entered into the top prize draw to win one of 30 drones with training.
Revystar XE has proven excellent control of Septoria and rust, coupled with very rapid leaf uptake for curativity and rainfastness. It can be used at both T1 or T2 timings at the recommended rate of 1 l/ha.
Approved for wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, spelt and durum wheat, it also demonstrates strong control on ramularia and with a predicted 30% increase in the UK spring barley area this year, Revystar XE, combined with Pyracolostrobin at T2, can offer strong disease control.
Where yellow rust is a significant concern, Adexar remains the strongest azole on the market and can be combined in tank mix with Revystar XE.
To take part visit HERE, download the BASF Companion App and start scanning your product code.
Revystar® XE, Revysol® and Adexar® are registered Trade Marks of BASF. Revystar® XE contains Revysol® and Xemium®. Revysol® contains mefentrifluconazole. Xemium® contains fluxapyroxad. Adexar® contains fluxapyroxad and epoxiconazole. For further product information including warning refer to agricentre.basf.co.uk.
Terms and conditions apply. For full details, visit https://basfrealresults.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/.
Case IH has today (27th April) announced that Lincolnshire-based Sharmans Agricultural Limited has been appointed as Case IH dealers. The family-run machinery dealership has a head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire and operates four further depots in Nottinghamshire (Lowdham), Lincolnshire (Stamford), Leicestershire (Melton Mowbray) and Northamptonshire (Pytchley, Kettering).
The business became a Case IH dealership on Friday 24th April 2020 and all 95 staff have been informed.
Commenting on the development, Paul Harrison, Case IH Business Director UK & ROI, said: “Case IH has ambitious growth plans in the UK, building on our growing market share in recent years. We have an innovative product range with a clear focus on high-end technology and connectivity for large-scale farmers and professional producers, with exciting developments across tractor, combine, baler and precision farming ranges.
“Our dealer network must evolve to ensure we serve the changing needs of our growing customer base effectively, and we are delighted to be adding Sharmans to cover a key geographic area. They are an extremely strong, dynamic and professional business and I am confident that they will deliver a professional service to existing and new customers in the area, being particularly well-placed to support our market-leading harvesting products as well as our wide range of tractor and telehandlers. We look forward to working with the Barclay family and their team to grow Case IH sales in the years ahead.”
Sharmans has been run by the Barclay family since 1981, with Managing Director, Scott Barclay, currently heading up the business. Commenting on the news, Scott said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be joining the Case IH family, they are a market-leading company that have a fantastic worldwide brand image. We wanted to partner with a new tractor franchise that would complement our current portfolio of products as well as match the quality that we currently offer; Case IH met these requirements perfectly and coupled with the fact they were extremely keen to work with us and our clients, this meant a lot: we both have the same goals.
“We feel that together we can offer the farming community a fantastic, very competitive package, offering the same extremely high levels of support in sales, service and parts, something that we take very seriously and something our customers have become accustomed to.
A robust micronutrient management programme is vital for spring crops, but this year it’s even more important than usual. Following a miserable winter and dry beginning to spring, micronutrients will play a vital role in ensuring a resilient spring cereal crop – especially as recent data has shown high rates of deficiency.
“We’ve seen more drilling of spring cereals this year to replace winter cereals,” says Natalie Wood, Country Arable Agronomist at Yara. “Many farmers are feeling pressure to achieve results in a tighter timeframe. Micronutrient applications can help to do so – make sure you take action for the best chance at driving resilient crop growth.”
Common deficiencies
Every year, Yara Analytical Services (YAS) receives many tissue samples from across the country for analysis. In 2019, several deficiencies were found in spring crops – with spring barley notably deficient in the majority of samples. “Magnesium (Mg) seems to be a common deficiency, especially in spring barley,” says Natalie. “Last year, 76% of samples were deficient and well below guideline levels.”
Magnesium deficiency can be destructive. As an important component of chlorophyll, crops cannot photosynthesise without it. In turn, this will lead to less efficient energy conversion – and ultimately weaker yields. “For a simple analogy, magnesium-deficient crops are like a faulty solar panel,” says Natalie. “On the surface everything might look fine, but the hidden mechanism is not functioning – you’re not getting the energy conversion that actually produces growth and yield.”
Other nutrients had an even poorer showing. The same data set revealed yet higher levels of boron (B) deficiency, with spring barley showing deficiencies in 80% of samples. Spring wheat had the most striking results – a shocking 100% of samples showed deficiency in boron.
“I’m surprised by the lack of boron,” says Natalie. “Boron is required for pollination, flowering, and most importantly grain set. Unless your boron levels are right, your yield will suffer. The costs of applying boron are very low whereas the cost of not applying it could be very high.”
Knowledge is power
What’s the best way to get ahead this spring? Knowing your circumstances. Tissue testing is the most sure-fire way to know exactly what is going on with your crop – at least at the time of sampling – and thus knowing which nutrients to rectify with specific products.
Nutrient requirements can change over time. Even a robust nutrient management programme, if targeting the wrong nutrients, cannot address a hidden problem, and ultimately becomes an unnecessary expenditure. “Be attentive and diligent,” says Natalie. “Spring crops can move through their growth stages very quickly. You don’t want to miss a key timing. Testing removes a lot of risk and sets you on the right course.”
Even without your own data, there are other useful sources – such as the YAS statistics cited previously. “Making use of national data can be a valuable aid,” says Natalie. “While not a substitute for acquiring your own data, it can be a helpful guide. For example, Mg and B are clearly in need of extra attention utilising the data from last year, so using products to cover those deficiencies is a safe bet.”
Getting ahead
With spring crops often making rapid progress through growth stages depending on conditions, it’s essential to get the right applications on at the right time. This should be timed as the crop extends, which will coincide with fungicide timings. Natalie also offers some extra advice for the particularly problematic nutrients identified by last year’s data:
“Magnesium’s key timing would be the T1 fungicide timing. For boron, it’s a little more complex. Ideally, we would want to split applications. Trials have shown this results in higher yields. If possible, apply 0.5L/ha at T1 and 0.5L/ha at T2. If you’re only able to make one application though, don’t worry. Apply the full 1.0L/ha in T1.”
Farmers are under a great deal of pressure – more so than usual. At this stage, it’s easy to overlook some of the small things. “Be careful not to underestimate the importance of micronutrients for your spring crops. Deficiency can directly impact your crop, with financial implications from loss of yield. Don’t let deficiencies undermine your hard work. Stay vigilant and apply wisely this spring to drive optimum results.”
To thank farmers for feeding the nation, Morrisons says it is offering a 5 per cent discount on shopping to its farmers, and is reopening steak and seafood bars.
The retailer will open a summer BBQ and Steak Bar, as well as a BBQ and Seafood Bar to help struggling British farmers and fishermen, and to offer customers a wider range of fresh meat and fish.
Certain foods have seen customer demand and industry prices plummet since the start of the lockdown, as one third was destined for the restaurant and catering trade, Morrisons said.
Meat and fish producers have been unable to sell certain products destined for restaurants, including high quality steaks, joints, whole fish and shellfish.
Morrisons will also offer a five per cent discount to its 2,700 farmers when they buy their own groceries to support them and their families. A discount card will be sent in the post which can be used from Thursday 23rdApril until 12th July when the scheme will be reviewed.
Eligible farmers include livestock suppliers supplying lamb, beef and pork to Morrisons; egg suppliers who supply Morrisons directly; dairy farmers with a Morrisons contract and fruit and veg growers supplying Morrisons directly.
Chief executive of Morrisons, David Potts, said: “This is a difficult time for the nation and it’s a very difficult time for farmers and fishermen. We’re the biggest supermarket customer for British farmers and they continue to provide very good quality British food in the face of very real challenges. We want to show our thanks for all their work in feeding the nation and encourage our customers to buy British food.”
NFU president Minette Batters said the news was “incredibly welcome”.
In a time of national crisis, HRH the Prince of Wales has praised the hard work and dedication of UK farmers and urged the public never to forget the “crucial importance of nature and farming”.
Prince Charles made the comments in a message published by Country Life.
“What this national crisis has also brought home – dare I say it – is how much we rely on our agricultural community and all those in the food supply chain, from field to fork,” he said, praising retailers, the supply chain, delivery drivers, shelf stackers and all those who serve shoppers.
“Of course, it all begins with our farmers,” he continued. “When was the last time anyone gave the availability of a bottle of milk, or a loaf of bread, or fresh vegetables a second thought? Suddenly, these things are precious and valued. And that is how it always should be.”
He goes on to praise the UK’s 80,000 farmers, from the Fells of Cumbria to the arable and vegetable lands of East Anglia; the Welsh mountains to Scottish fishing villages; dairy fields of Cornwall and Northern Ireland, to the orchards of Kent.
“Day in, day out, they are working to produce food – for us. And we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. But they cannot do it alone.”
He called for a rediscovery of the Land Army spirit of the Second World War, and encouraged the public to support the ‘Pick for Britain’ campaign by offering to help gather fruit and vegetables this harvest.
The Prince of Wales also described the growth of local food delivery services as “encouraging”, as we see an increasing number of people sourcing locally produced food – from vegetables, eggs, milk and meat to juice, homemade pies and cheese.
“With low food miles and simple, short supply chains, these initiatives are reminding us how things could be and they are serving to bind communities ever closer together too.”
He concluded by saying that when we come out of the pandemic, “we must learn some lessons” – on the importance of nature, localisation, and a kinder way of being.
“After the suffering and selflessness we are witnessing, we cannot allow ourselves to go back to how we were. This is a moment in history.”
Image: Dan Marsh/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0
Defra is asking for ‘accurate and credible data’ on the severity of issues facing the dairy sector, to back up the industry’s call for support.
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is urging farmers to submit daily reports of their losses as it strives to create reports for the government and industry.
Earlier this month the association called on the government to help fund a short-term financial support scheme for dairy farmers whose businesses have been severely affected by Covid-19.
RABDF chairman Peter Alvis said: “The situation in the dairy industry is constantly evolving, with different processors and farmers affected each day. It is important, as an industry, we have a firm understanding of the situation, how many producers are affected and the level at which they are affected.”
Demand for milk from cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels disappeared when the lockdown forced them to close, leaving some farmers in a situation where they are being forced to dump thousands of litres of milk. An even higher number of farmers are thought to impacted by reduced milk prices and/or payment terms.
Processors have seen an additional strain due to staff being off sick or having to self-isolate.
‘A first step’
Defra announced last week that it would relax elements of UK competition law to support the industry. Legislation, which will be laid soon, will allow the industry to adapt to changes in the supply chain, including decreased demand from the hospitality sector and reduced collection by retailers who have had to close.
Environment secretary George Eustice said: “We’ve heard loud and clear our dairy farmers’ concerns which is why we are further suspending competition rules law to allow dairy farmers to work together on some of the most pressing challenges they are facing. I am also urging farm businesses to access the loans that are available from their bank to support them in this period.
“We welcome our farmers’ heroic efforts in ensuring food supplies remain resilient and will continue to support them through this difficult time.”
In a letter from Mr Eustice that has been circulated on social media, he ruled out a ‘production reduction’ scheme, saying it ‘would not work in the current circumstances’.
He wrote: ‘We are dealing with a ‘temporary dislocation in the market that is affecting a minority of farmers; deploying the same scheme as in 2015 would not ease production across the board and would incentivise the culling of cows.’
NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “It’s good to see the secretary of state recognise the major challenges the dairy sector is facing as a result of the market disturbances caused by coronavirus.
“We have been calling for these changes to competition law for a number of weeks now and it will allow the supply chain and Defra to collect the vital evidence urgently needed to help further understand the situation.
“This is just a first step in terms of the support the dairy sector will need to help it get through this crisis and we continue working with Defra on a number of other asks of government that we need to see actioned urgently.”
Similarly, Mr Alvis said it was a step in helping the industry work together and identify how surplus milk in the supply chain can be rerouted.
“This survey will help that effort by building a clear picture of how many farmers are affected and the best options for dealing with oversupply,” he explained. “If there is still an issue the industry is unable to solve then as a sector, we must be able to demonstrate clearly to Government how big the problem is and where the issues lie.”
Dairy UK and AHDB are working to identify spare processing capacity, how to stimulate demand and how production can be temporarily reduced.
Raw milk
Farmers are also being warned not to give away or sell raw milk straight from the tank unless they are registered to do so.
Some dairy farmers may be getting requests from friends and neighbours to sell milk straight from the tank, as some supermarkets are seeing shortages of milk on the shelves. However, selling or giving away raw milk and cream is illegal if you are not registered to do so, RABDF warned.
