15/10/2026
🌾 ASPATRIA FARMERS | MARKET UPDATE
15 October 2026
🥛 MILK MARKETS — RECENT PRICE RISES WELCOME, BUT MARGINS STILL MATTER
Recent milk price increases have brought some welcome relief, with tighter domestic supplies encouraging processors to support production. AHDB now forecasts GB milk output to fall by 2.2% in the 2026/27 season, reflecting pressure from forage availability, falling cow numbers and higher production costs.
However, further price increases are far from guaranteed. Dairy commodity markets have not fully supported the recent farmgate rises, and AHDB reports that most processors have announced price holds for November. The outlook varies between buyers and contracts, with stronger demand for dairy protein contrasting with plentiful supplies of dairy fats globally.
For farmers, an improved milk price does not automatically mean a stronger margin. Making the most of forage, balancing the whole ration and reviewing costs across the business remain important as winter approaches—and this is where our teams can offer practical support.
🌾 GET MORE FROM YOUR WINTER FEEDING
Ration costs depend on the full range of raw materials—not just wheat or soya, or individual starch and protein sources. The focus should be on how the whole ration performs and the value it delivers.
Our recently showcased Free Feed MOT includes free silage analysis and a review of current feeding, helping you assess ration costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. Understanding what your forage can supply is the starting point for targeting bought-in feed where it adds the most value.
🐄 MAKE YOUR EXISTING DAIRY WORK HARDER
Protecting margins also means looking at time and running costs. Our recent West House project demonstrates the potential in an existing parlour: the team upgraded a 16-point system to a 20-point Rapid Exit installation.
A complete replacement isn’t always necessary. Whether you’re looking to improve cow flow, reduce milking time or upgrade equipment, speak to our dairy engineering team about what could work for your farm.
⚡ LOOK ACROSS ALL YOUR INPUT COSTS
Energy deserves attention alongside feed and fertiliser. As highlighted recently, Go Low Carbon offers free, no-obligation guidance for agricultural businesses with an energy renewal approaching in the next 12 months.
Planning ahead gives you time to understand your options and consider how the next contract fits your business.
🐄 PREPARING FOR COLDER WEATHER
Our recent calf-jacket and winter-housing features are timely reminders to review winter preparations. From housing equipment to dairy hygiene supplies, speak to the team about the products and practical support available.
🤝 SUPPORT BUILT AROUND YOUR FARM
As a farmer-owned co-operative, we bring together choice of supply, products and advice suited to each farm and situation. Whether you’re reviewing winter feeding, considering a parlour upgrade or looking across your wider input costs, our specialists are here to help.
📞 016973 20207
Owned by Farmers. Working for Farmers.
