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"Another kick in the teeth" for dairy farmers
cows
Dairy Crest and First Milk will cut their prices further in 2015.
Dairy Crest and First Milk announce further milk price cuts

The dairy crisis has deepened this week as Dairy Crest and First Milk announced they will make further cuts to milk prices this year.

Chairman of the National Farmer's Union dairy board, Rob Harrison, referred to the cuts as "another kick in the teeth" for dairy farmers, who are suffering significant losses with every litre of milk they produce.

From January 3, 2015, Dairy Crest will drop their prices by 1.25 pence per litre (ppl). First Milk will cut theirs by 1 ppl for the liquid pool and 1.1 ppl for the manufacturing pool.

First Milk's chairman Sir Jim Paice MP, said: "Unfortunately market indicators for core dairy products have declined further since the start of November. In order to put our milk prices in line with projected market returns, we need to reduce our milk prices further."

Similarly, Dairy Crest's procurement director Mike Sheldon said the company cannot maintain the current price "against the backdrop of such extreme market volatility and increasing levels of milk production".

Commenting on the news, Mr Harrison said: "I do understand the market fundamentals, but ask this: why do farmers never get the market highs when global commodity prices are at their highest but suffer more than they should when commodity prices hit the floor?

"While the global market situation remains difficult, we need UK processors and retailers to support our farmers in ensuring a long term sustainable future for domestic milk production."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.