Demand for land, including dairy farms, 'shows renewed optimism'

UK - MOST farmers expect the upward trend in farm incomes over the past 12 months to continue in 2007, although milk production remains problematic, with only the most efficient able to secure a reasonable margin.

5 January 2007

1 minute read

Europe

But dairy farmers will hear encouraging news this month from Charles Dudgeon of property consultants Savills, when he addresses the annual Semex conference in Glasgow, organised by one of the UK's largest cattle breeding companies.

Speaking yesterday from his base in Edinburgh, Dudgeon remarked that there was renewed buoyancy in the UK agricultural property market, with land prices on the rise, and that most units were being bought by "coalface producers", including dairy farmers.

Dudgeon reckons there are reasons for optimism. He said: "Property trends, such as the volume of land moving, the purpose it is bought for and the value it is realising, are key indicators of the strength of the agri-industry. Currently there are signs of the industry enjoying renewed optimism, confidence and anticipated profitability.

Source: The Scotsman