The 2026 Organic Dairy Drought Impact report has revealed that dairy farmers are concerned over forage availability, winter feed security and farm profitability.
The news follows concerns from another recent report in the UK which predicted that dairy farm profits are expected to fall by two-thirds.
This latest survey, compiled by Kite Consulting and the Daykin Partnership, spoke to 37 producers who represent around 40% of the 46,000 head GB organic dairy herd.
The emerging picture was described as “stark”, with forage stock levels, winter feed security and farm profitability all primary concerns for a large proportion of organic farms.
Of those surveyed 81% rated the situation on forage availability as “significant” or “severe.”
Organic dairy producers face increased challenges as they must meet strict minimum standards for forage inclusion in the diet as part of their organic certification requirements.
Rob Daykin, managing director of the Daykin Partnership said: “Allied to this, 73% of respondents rated winter feed security and farm profitability outlooks as severe, with the impact on feed costs not far behind as a significant concern for 68% of the survey participants.”
The result is that 86% of dairy producers are considering culling cows as a mitigation measure, ahead of extended grazing (65%) and buying additional forage (62%).
“This reflects a structural response, with farms looking to reduce herd size and feed demand, rather than simply sourcing more feed to get through winter,” Daykin adds.
While this will have an immediate impact on milk volumes, it could also have a much longer-term impact on dairy herds.
Kite Consulting’s head of corporate, Becki Reay said that the data shows that there are not enough organic heifers to replace them.
“We have seen, in the past, when organic farmers lack confidence in the long-term outlook, the result is often for them to relinquish organic status or leave the sector,” she said.
“Yet, with a stable and growing demand for organic dairy at retail level, it is crucial that these farmers have the confidence to make the necessary investments that will be returned through a long-term, sustainable milk-price.`’
