Bigger virus impact on English and Welsh dairy farmers

Scottish dairy farmers have been less badly hit by the Covid-19 crisis than their counterparts south of the border, according to AHDB.

A report by the levy body reveals the proportion of farm businesses severely impacted by coronavirus is the highest in Wales.

The report reveals 58% of Welsh dairy producers have had their milk price cut, 45% have been asked to reduce milk output, and 4% have had payments deferred and milk collections cancelled.

In Scotland, 42% of producers said the virus has had no impact on their business, 29% have suffered a price cut, and 26% have been asked to reduce milk output. None have reported having payments deferred, and 13% have had milk collections cancelled.

AHDB said: “So far, just over half of Scottish producers have seen some impact on their farming business as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Of these, we estimate just under 5% have seen a high impact on their business, considerably lower than the national average of 21%.”

In England 56% of producers have had their price cut, 20% have been asked to reduce output, 6% have had payments deferred and 4% have had collections cancelled.