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Prince Charles’ dairy scheme extends support for farmers

Isabel Davies 02 September 2015
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© Tim Scrivener© Tim Scrivener

Dairy farmers with fewer than 200 cows and who farm in one of five specified regions have an opportunity to sign up to a free scheme which aims to improve the viability of their businesses.

The Prince’s Dairy Initiative is looking for traditional family dairy farmers to join the fourth year of its programme which offers support and business advice to those running small- and medium-sized dairy herds.

The initiative looks to improve the diversity and long-term sustainability of the British dairy sector by offering free practical workshops and networking opportunities.

See also: Free dairy farmer training opens for third year

The scheme was inspired by The Prince of Wales and his long-held concern about the future sustainability of UK dairy farming.

It has been running for three years, but is launching in five new regions.

Eligible farms need to be located within driving distance of Cumnock, Aryshire; Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute; Crathorne, North Yorkshire; Sturminster Newton, Dorset; Workington, Cumbria or Denbigh in Wales.

In each area up to 20 dairy farmers are being sought to take part.

Participation is free and eligible farmers should have fewer than 200 dairy cows, supply their milk on a standard contract and not already be active participants in discussion groups and workshops.

“Our experience to-date proves that bringing local, like-minded farmers together delivers real benefit”
Mike Stevens, The Prince’s Dairy Initiative

Mike Stevens, from Muller Wiseman Dairies and chairman of The Prince’s Dairy Initiative, said that with farmgate prices ranging over a greater spread than he had ever seen it was an important time.

“Our experience to-date proves that bringing local, like-minded farmers together delivers real benefit.

“The problem is that too often the farmers who could benefit the most from this initiative are too remote or too busy to seek support.

“We’re trying to spread the word and reach these farmers.”

Since 2012, over 200 dairy farms have participated in the programme.

All of the businesses are benchmarked and attend workshops delivered locally by experts in the dairy sector and cover topics such as herd health, soil, nutrition and financial management.

Andrew Whitehurst, who farms in Staffordshire, said. “I did enjoy comparing farms and seeing where I’m going wrong.

“We don’t measure everything properly and it showed us areas to tighten up on.

“I’m concentrating on feed costs. I’m looking forward to the ‘managing your bank manager’ meeting.

It’s something we tend to skip through.

“We tend to accept what they say and rely on their advice more than we should do.”

Dates and contacts

Cumnock, Ayrshire

Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute

Crathorne, North Yorkshire Moors

Sturminster Newton, Dorset

Workington, Cumbria

Denbigh, Wales

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