A Lanarkshire MSP has visited a local farm this week to learn about the many challenges the industry is facing.
Graham Simpson joined NFU Scotland at East Brackenridge Farm in Strathaven to speak to farmers and get a tour of their facilities.
He met with Andrew Neilson, who runs the 350-acre site, before finding out about the work they’re doing to modernise and overcome the current dairy industry challenges.
East Brackenridge Farm, which has 350 Holstein cows providing 40 litres of milk per day, have a contract with Muller Diaries to supply the Tesco chain with milk.
Farmer Andrew was recently crowned ‘Stockman of the Year’ at the Royal Highland Show – which was shared, for the first time in history, after he and fellow competitor David Mitchell both received 606 points by the judges
Andrew and his father, Hugh Neilson, also outlined their desire to act as custodians of the land and intend to leave it in better shape than when they arrived.
Mr Simpson heard about the new technology used to monitor the health and wellbeing of each cow.
The farm now uses a computer programme to track the cow’s health, fitness and ability to provide milk.
The group discussed the challenges facing the dairy industry – including the substantial rise in the cost of fuel, fertiliser and feed - made worse by the unsustainable drop in milk prices, which is driving many farmers out of the industry.
Local farmers also raised the importance of Scotland’s upcoming Agriculture Bill with Mr Simpson, which could be debated in the Scottish Parliament as soon as 2023.
Mr Simpson congratulated Andrew on his recent success and pledged to raise the industry’s concerns with the Scottish Government.
The Central Scotland MSP told us : “Many thanks to Andrew and those farmers from across the region in attendance for taking the time to discuss the dairy industry with me.
“It was a real treat to visit East Brackenridge and see how farms like this one are modernising and diversifying to address environmental and commercial challenges.
“Farmers like Andrew and Hugh are custodians of our land and need all our support as the industry works through this difficult period.
“I look forward to working more closely with local farmers and NFU Scotland on issues like the Scottish Agriculture Bill which is due to be debated in Parliament soon”.
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