Greenslade Taylor Hunt
Farm Sales Department
22 Princes Street,
Yeovil,
Somerset,
BA20 1EQ
01935 423474
livestock@gth.net
Greenslade Taylor Hunt has conducted in excess of 240 Dairy Dispersal and Collective Sales since the year of Foot & Mouth. 2007 in comparison is proving so far to be a somewhat quieter year, although it could be argued that the exodus from dairying had to reseed at sometime. Registered Dairy Producers in England and Wales have fallen from 28,093 in 1995 to 13,914 in April 2006, so the figures speak for themselves and it is no surprise that the amount of milk produced in the UK is predicted to fall by as much as 1 billion litres over the next few years.
In a reversal of recent trends so far this year there appears to be a larger number of dispersals in the north of the country which restocked heavily in 2001/2, as apposed to the south. With the combination of fewer sales in this area and quota no longer being a restraint on production the signs are that last years good dairy trade will continue into 2007. We are also seeing a move for commercial producers away from rearing replacements to flying herds which in turn should enhance the trade for followers at sales.
Some argue that dairy cattle are still too expensive compared to the current milk price and they have a point, but supply and demand will dictate the trade and it does cost £800-£1000 to rear a 3 year old calved heifer.!! In an ideal world we need an increase in milk price, a growing summer, and the reintroduction of fair individual valuations for TB “stolen” stock and then most remaining dairy farmers would be happier.
For free on farm advice on the marketing of Dairy Cattle please contact Greenslade Taylor Hunts Farm Sales Department on 01935 423474.
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