It’s great to be writing on a positive note this month. As we head into spring, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Not only can we look forward to the thought of the bright summer days ahead of us, but there’s also confidence when it comes to the milk markets.
Experts are hopeful strong retail sales coupled with low global stock levels will hold the price. With all the vegan propaganda we are too often exposed to, it is reassuring to hear consumers have turned to dairy during the pandemic. Sales of cheese are up almost 16% and butter up 16.1%. Let’s hope we can keep on this upward trend when we come out of lockdown.
The only exception to the upward trend is cream, which is bearing the brunt of new Brexit rules. Cream is seeing a big mismatch in the price compared to the EU. This is largely because of the extra export health certificates that are now required when exporting fresh products. Let’s hope this can be overcome soon.
The team at RABDF is still buzzing from a successful Dairy-Tech Online. The two-week-long event which ran from 3-17 February saw more than 6,500 delegates signing up for the 11 sessions.
We welcomed speakers from across the world, who shared their expertise on everything from grazing and the use of technology to overcoming mental health challenges.
The event also featured some of the sectors leading figureheads who outlined the challenges and opportunities for the industry. We are so grateful for the support we have received from all those tuning in, but also from our sponsors, exhibitors and speakers, whom without, the event would not have been possible.
If you missed any of the sessions most of them are available to ‘rewatch’ by going to www.dairy-tech.uk and clicking on the ‘rewatch’ tab at the top right of the page.
Last month we also received some long-awaited good news from the Government about a new statutory Code of Conduct, which will be developed for the dairy sector to increase fairness in the supply chain and help farmers become more competitive.
The new statutory code will seek to provide a guiding framework, establishing minimum standards but also providing businesses with the flexibility to adapt contracts to their individual circumstances. This is certainly a step in the right direction!
During a recent Women in Dairy (WID) Webinar on dairy grants and the forthcoming Environment and Management Scheme (ELMS) those tuning in heard about the range of funding opportunities out there for dairy farmers. While the session’s speaker Rachael Madeley- Davies from Kite Consulting warned of ‘colossal’ changes over the next 10 years, she encouraged listeners to make the most of funding opportunities available, of which there are a whole host of grants and schemes out there to be utilised.
You can rewatch the session by visiting https://www.womenindairy.co.uk/ . The WID webinars are free to attend and if you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive information about upcoming sessions please contact womenindairy@rabdf.co.uk.
I’m hoping the good news will continue streaming in and the optimism surrounding dairy and all it has to offer remains.
Until next month, stay safe, well and happy!
Matt.