The survey, which is open until 14 January, invites farmers to share their experiences of what is working on farm, where pressures are being felt and what support is needed to ensure the long-term competitiveness and resilience of UK dairy farming. Issues under consideration include farm economics, environmental performance and sustainability.
The initiative follows a series of farmer-led workshops held across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during October and November, as well as online sessions. The events gave dairy farmers a direct role in shaping how sustainability is addressed across the sector. The new survey aims to extend that opportunity to every dairy farmer in the country.
Responses will inform the development of future sustainability targets and help identify practical ways to deliver progress both on farm and throughout the dairy supply chain. Central to the work is an independent partnership with SRUC, which will produce the Sustainable Pathways report, drawing on robust data and evidence.
Tenant farmer David Homer, from Wiltshire, said: “Our industry has always been built on resilience, innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to producing high-quality food for the nation. But today, the challenges we face – from shifting consumer expectations to environmental pressures and evolving market demands – require us to work more collaboratively and strategically than ever before.”
He added: “That’s why the Pathways report is so important. It isn’t just a policy document or a checklist; it’s a shared vision for the future of UK dairy.”
Professor John Newbold, professor of dairy nutrition at SRUC, said: “This is your industry and your future. We’ve listened through workshops and now we want every dairy farmer to have their say.”
The Sustainable Pathways report will be published in two stages in 2026 and will set out how the sector can meet sustainability goals through to 2030 and 2050.
The survey is available here: https://dairyroadmap.co.uk/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-uk-dairy/