DAIRY farmers from across the south west gathered at the Dairy Show on Wednesday (October 2). 

At the event, farmers met with NFU representatives to discuss the future of farming after a difficult year. 

South NFU regional dairy board chair, Ian Harvey, said they are 'very proud' of the hard work that dairy farmers in the south west carry out on a day-to-day basis. 

He said: “The UK is one of the best dairy producing countries in the world with farmers across the South leading the way – the high standards of animal health and welfare and food safety standards in our dairy production systems make us renowned around the world as a reliable supplier of tasty, safe, sustainable and nutritious dairy products.

“Our farms have faced many challenges over the past year and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that these family businesses are supported and feel confident moving forward.”

The focus of this year's dairy show was on helping the next generation. The event also featured livestock competitions including the UK Jersey Cattle Society’s and the English Guernsey Cattle Society’s National Shows. 

READ MORE: Dairy Show returns to the Bath & West Showground in October

Before the show, Mel Squires, south NFU regional director, said: "Over the past 12 months, we have experienced devastating flooding, high production costs and low market returns, set against a backdrop of reduced farm support and as we transition to a new domestic agriculture policy and associated farm support - all of that has put a huge dent in the confidence of dairy producers.

@south.west.farmer We chatted to NFU South Regional Director Mel Squires and Cornwall County Chair Bridget Whell at the Royal Cornwall Show earlier this month… and we were chatting about some exciting collaboration ideas #newcolumnist #nfusouth #nfu #farmingchallenges #farming #futureoffarming ♬ original sound - South West Farmer

“Therefore, our immediate priority is to secure investment through government delivering a renewed and enhanced multi-annual agriculture budget of £5.6 billion and urging Defra to rollover their reported underspend, which is money to deliver policy to benefit food production and the environment.

“This, alongside fairer market returns, would build confidence, offer dairy farmers long-term sustainability and benefit the regional economy and our communities.

“I am looking forward to meeting with our incredible dairy farmers at the show, to catch up and engage in valuable discussions on their concerns and what more we can do to support them to ensure the future for the dairy industry in the south and across the country is a viable and positive one.”