A MOVE by Muller UK to get more young farmers involved in dairying was announced at the Semex conference by the company’s milk supply director Rob Hutchinson.

Said Mr Hutchinson: “This is another valuable initiative for Muller Direct farmers, this time focussing on the next generation who have the potential to create thriving dairy businesses.

“They will be nominated through the Direct group and a short-leet drawn up. Fully supported and funded by Müller, we will work directly with the young farmers, over a three year period, by providing them with bespoke training on everything from benchmarking and market analysis, to business improvement planning.

“The group, titled Muller Direct Next Generation, will meet three times per year and will serve as a forum, enabling the farmers to share knowledge and best practice," explained Mr Hutchinson. “We need to maintain a long term and progressive milk supply and Müller Direct Next Generation will help ambitious young farmers build the thriving dairy businesses of the future.”

While Brexit was likely to bring uncertainty to the dairy sector, Mr Hutchinson stressed that the UK was still a good place to produce milk, with a good consumer base. Looking ahead, he added: “Prices are likely to be under pressure over the next six to 12 months, with a lot depending on the commodity market which is still under pressure. Another factor will be what happens with the spring flush.

“One other problem is the 300,000 tonnes of skim milk powder sitting in intervention stores and not going anywhere fast,” he added.