June 18, 2024

Great Britain, UK milking herd at 1.64 million head as of April 1

The milking herd in Great Britain, the United Kingdom, stood at 1.64 million head as of April 1, matching the figure recorded in 2023, despite lower farmgate milk prices, according to the latest BCMS data.

This supports wider commentary that the lower milk production seen so far this year has been the result of reduced yields, rather than herd size, according to Annabel Twinberrow, analyst at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Youngstock numbers (under two years of age), continued to decline for a fifth quarter. This was the largest category decline, down by 24,000 head from a year ago.

Cows aged 2-4 years old were the only category to record growth year on year, up 23,000 head. This is the seventh consecutive quarterly increase in this age group, with the trend feeding off increased youngstock numbers recorded from late 2020 through to early 2023.

Steady decline is still seen in the 4-6 years and over eight years categories, both declining by 6,000 head, while stronger decline remains in the 6-8 years olds (-11,000 head).

As a result of the changes seen within age groups, the average age of the milking herd now stands at 4.55 years, down from 4.60 years recorded in April last year. This shows a drive towards maintaining a more efficient national herd in the UK and reflective of the economic challenges that dairy farmers face.

- AHDB