RE: Mr Mellons interview4 Jul 2021 18:52
"as we know it ' is the key phrase here. In 1970, there were nearly 650,000 dairy farms in the US. In 2020, the number of dairy farms in the US is only about 40,000. The fundamental change is also that in 1987 the median number of cows per dairy farm in the USA was 80 cows, and by 2012 it increased to 900.
This suggests that milk per head of cow has fallen by nearly a half in the last 50 years in the US. As they say it is not always about size. The biggest dairy farm in the USA went bust in 2019. Probably a jittery bank called in the loan. Some of the biggest herds in the uk are financed by massive loans.
It seems a herd of over 50 can generate a lovable income , but I guess that assumes no liabilities. What is farming as we know it anyway? its constantly evolving and changing and now after Brexit no doubt there will be more changes and new 'arrangements' with China, Australia and New Zealand. There is already a long term trend for a number of reasons. I think a lot can and will happen in 10 years
In the modern era the speed of change is accelerating and no doubt will continue to do so. I don't think Mellon's prediction is pie in the sky, but there is obviously a long way to go yet. I can see small less intensive farming actually benefitting from the 'new food production revolution.' Make no mistake Its already here, well established and well funded.