Almost 1,000 dairy farmers and industry professionals visited Treveale Farm, near Ladock, Cornwall, on 30 June for the RABDF NMR Gold Cup Open Day, marking the first time a Cornish farm has won the prestigious award since the competition began in 1920.
Hosted by T N Morrow and Partners, the event showcased how long-term investment, strong management and a focus on efficiency have helped develop one of the UK's leading dairy businesses.
Opening the event, RABDF Chair Robert Craig said Treveale Farm demonstrated the importance of investing for the future despite the current challenges facing the dairy sector.
"The Morrow family has taken a long-term view of the industry, making significant investments for the next generation, including a new dairy unit in 2018 and a youngstock unit in 2023 as well as doubling their pedigree Holstein Maymor herd over the past 14 years to 471 cows," he said.
"If we want an industry that is fit for the future, farmers need the confidence to invest. While the current market remains difficult, businesses with strong management and a clear long-term strategy are best placed to succeed."
Visitors also heard from dairy market analyst Chris Walkland, who outlined the global pressures continuing to impact milk prices.
"Although UK production has fallen, milk output remains strong across Europe, the US and New Zealand, meaning significant price improvements are unlikely in the short term."
He added that while some improvement may come later in the year, current milk prices remain unsustainable.
"At the moment I can't see any major change to milk prices this year. What is clear, though, is we can't have milk prices where they are for the long term. If they stay low, volumes will fall, and then in a few months' time we'll be on the upside of the rollercoaster."
Despite the challenging outlook, Mr Walkland remained optimistic about the industry's future.
"It was always going to take time to slow the global runaway milk volume train down, but we have started. That is something. Already positive things might be starting to happen as a result. It's going to be a hard slog for a while still, but you'll get through it. You are also hugely resilient, and very good at what you do."
The event, one of the UK’s largest on-farm dairy gatherings, also featured key speakers and more than 50 trade stands covering technical topics from youngstock and slurry management to nutritional advice, all supporting the success of Treveale Farm and leaving visitors with plenty of take-home insights.
About RABDF
RABDF is the sole UK charity dedicated to the needs of dairy farmers. Established in 1876, it is the only dairy organisation to hold a Royal Patronage. RABDF is the organiser of the Dairy Tech event and the RABDF NMR Gold Cup competition.
