Sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word. It means different things to different people.
At the centre of it all though it’s about three things: environmental, economic and social responsibility. As dairy farmers, they are central to business – without them any dairy farm would not be a very successful one.
However, there is always room to improve on the progress that has already been made.
Dairy sector driving the narrative
I would argue the dairy industry has been leading the charge on sustainability for a long time and I think it’s important we continue to do just that.
Not only so we can continue to show leadership and accountability, but also to ensure that we are the ones driving the narrative and setting the agenda, instead of having regulation dictate the future of the sector.
Pressure for environmental improvement
Dairy farmers will be no stranger to the pressure that is being put on the sector in terms of environmental improvement and compliance.
We know the government is heavily focusing on driving improvement on water, air and soil quality and it’s vital that it hears from dairy farmers and understands what their businesses need to remain economically and socially sustainable as well.
The farmers waking up at 4am to milk cows, the ones looking at how to ensure their businesses are resilient for the future – whether that’s by looking to improve slurry storage, update cattle sheds, encourage the next generation into the industry or how we can best promote the work of the sector – these are the ones we need to hear from.
“It is a chance for the sector to set the pathway forwards rather than wait for government to do it for us.”
NFU Dairy Adviser Amy Mepham
The Sustainable Dairy Pathways Report
The Sustainable Dairy Pathways Report, commissioned by the Dairy Roadmap, is being independently carried out by SRUC (Scotland’s Rural University College) and will be published in 2026.
The report will research and outline what is required to enable the dairy industry to reach its environmental and sustainability goals while also remaining economically resilient.
It is a chance for the sector to set the pathway forwards rather than wait for government to do it for us. It is vital that the report includes the voice of grassroots farmers across the country.
