The UK’s livestock landscape has continued to evolve in 2025, with dairy farming remaining one of the most strategically important sectors according to the latest Government statistics, despite milk prices and dairy sales declining.
While overall cattle numbers have dipped again this year, dairy cattle numbers have remained comparatively stable, underscoring their central place in UK food production.
Below, we break down the key trends in dairy farming and explain what these shifts mean for bedding demand.
Dairy herd holds steady despite decline in overall cattle numbers
Recent livestock data released this week by DEFRA shows that the total number of cattle and calves in the UK to June 1st 2025 fell by 1.3% between 2024 and 2025, now standing at 9.3 million animals. This continues the long-term downward trend seen over the past decade.
However, this decline is not being driven by dairy herds.
UK dairy records show the dairy herd had a slight increase of 0.7% to June 2025, bringing it to 1.8 million. In contrast, the beef herd continued to reduce.
The stability in dairy highlights the continued importance of dairy farming to the UK economy, and the consistent demand for high-quality housing and bedding that supports milk production, cow comfort and udder health.
Why dairy cow numbers still matter in 2025
Even without significant changes in herd size, dairy farmers face several pressures that affect day-to-day operations:
Dropping Milk Prices
Some farmers have continued to see a decline in their milk prices this month (Dec 25), according to the AHDB, squeezing their returns as they face rising production costs but lower payments.
Higher input costs
Feed, energy and labour remain major cost drivers, encouraging farmers to optimise herd environments for efficiency.
Milk Over-supply
The market remains under pressure from large milk volumes, with little immediate recovery expected.
Workforce challenges
Recruiting skilled staff continues to be difficult across the dairy sector, making housing quality and farm logistics more important than ever.
Dairy’s role in beef supply
A growing percentage of the UK’s beef now comes from dairy-born animals, meaning the dairy sector continues to influence multiple supply chains.
For all these reasons, the performance of the dairy herd remains a key indicator of wider sector health, and so maintaining cow comfort and welfare continues to be a priority.
The growing importance of quality bedding in dairy
When managing a dairy herd, bedding plays a vital role in:
Cow comfort & milk yield
Soft, absorbent bedding reduces mastitis risk, promotes lying time and supports overall herd productivity.
Hygiene & environmental management
Good bedding supports cleaner housing, easier mucking-out and improved air quality.
Bedding decisions directly influence farm efficiency and with livestock trends changing, choosing the right materials matters more than ever.
Looking Ahead
The dairy sector remains steady and resilient, despite broader declines in cattle numbers and fluctuating milk prices.
For farmers, these trends underline the importance of reliable, consistent bedding solutions.
At NW Resources, we’re committed to supporting producers with bedding materials that prioritise animal welfare, farm efficiency and long-term sustainability.