Following Chris’ usual Milk Market Report, Will Evans and Ben Eagle welcome new senior consultants Beth Parry and Tim Kneale, who share insights from their specialist work with farms across the UK and discuss the practical on farm innovations they believe are genuinely transforming efficiency, resilience and long term sustainability in dairy. With DairyTech just days away, Becki Reay and the team discuss the big conversations expected at this year’s event, including milk price movements, new technology and the future direction of the sector, as well as what they are most excited to see, from the Innovation Hub to the activity on the Kite stand. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Following Chris’ milk market report this week, Will and Ben are joined by Wigtownshire dairy farmer Rory Christie, Chair of the 2026 Semex Conference, and podcast producer Becki Reay. They look back at standout moments from the SEMEX International Dairy Conference in Glasgow last week and discuss current trends in the milk market, including how these may affect businesses over the coming months.

The mindset throughout the conference was focused on “seeing through the issues – solving the issues – and being robust, efficient and resilient.”

The group also reflects on the session chaired by Rory, which featured contributions from Serge Moly, Milk Supply Director at Lactalis; Paul Batchelor, Head of Milk Supply and Balancing at Lactalis; Paul Vernon; Tom Bradshaw; Christopher Lafougere; and Chris Walkland. The discussion offered strong support for farming, explored different angles on the market, and highlighted a positive long term outlook. There was also an interesting conversation around protein – how consumer diets are shifting and the growing demand for higher protein products. They touch on recent trade deals and the impact of global trade on producers. Manuel Soares, CEO at Milc Group, also provided insights into AI in farming and smarter livestock management to the economics behind protein demand and the resilient farming communities driving progress

Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode, we begin with Chris Walkland’s latest milk market report before celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Oxford Farming Conference with insights from OFC Director Ali Capper and dairy farmer Tracey Roan, who is based in Dumfries and Galloway. We delve into the report “UK Farming: Grasping the Opportunities,” led by Dr. Louise Manning, which explores the future of UK agriculture and the key interventions needed to help farming businesses thrive. We also highlight how any family business looking ahead should consider involving independent people to strengthen long term decision making. Throughout the discussion, Becki Reay joins the conversation, offering reflections and perspective as we unpack the conference’s core themes, including the sector’s resilience and the value of strong networks within the farming community. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Kicking off the New Year, this episode takes a close look at the current milk market. Ben Eagle, Chris Walkland and podcast producer Becki Reay discuss the latest trends in farmgate prices and milk volumes, and whether the sector is beginning to turn a corner. The discussion touches on the disruption caused by a plant breakdown over the Christmas period, which resulted in milk not being collected, before examining what the latest AHDB figures showing milk volumes down year on year could mean for supply. The focus then turns to more positive signals, including a recent rise in the GDT index and growing optimism around dairy prices heading into January, supported by milk price announcements for January and February from processors. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves in our final episode, just days away from Christmas. This festive season is often filled with gatherings, laughter, and indulgence in food and drink with loved ones. Yet, for some, Christmas can bring about feelings of loneliness, especially for those facing challenging family situations. It's a time when many reflect on the past and ponder the future. We likely know someone who may be struggling during this season, and today, we will focus on the importance of supporting one another during Christmas and how to navigate the heavier emotional burdens that may arise.

Joining us for this important conversation are rural life coach Jo Speed, first-generation dairy farmer Lucia Slack from Cumbria, podcast producer Becki Reay, and the ever-insightful dairy market analyst Chris Walkland. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Following the results of the farm assurance review earlier this year, Red Tractor have this week announced its key priorities and planned actions, including a full review of standards. To discuss this, Will and Ben are joined on the Kite podcast this week by Tim Lock, the Dairy Sector Chair for Red Tractor to discuss the priorities for dairy, what actions are planned & how farmers can provide feedback on what they want to see by 1st February 2026. Chris Walkand is trying his best to find a glimmer of hope in this weeks milk market update. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode of the Kite Podcast, hosts Ben Eagle and Will Evans take a closer look at Ireland's dairy sector in light of the recent European Commission proposal to extend the nitrate derogation for another three years. They are joined by Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc and Emily Stafford, a Dairy Consultant with Kite, to discuss the implications of this decision for farmers both in Ireland and the UK. The conversation covers the importance of the derogation for Irish dairy farmers, the ongoing political debates surrounding water quality, and the conditional requirements that come with this licence. Chris Walkland also shares his latest milk market report, providing insights into the current state of the dairy market amidst challenging conditions. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Producer Becki Reay delve into the recent COP30 conference held in Brazil, exploring its implications for the agricultural sector, particularly dairy. Joining them is Brian Lindsey, an agricultural consultant and sustainability lead at Global Dairy Platform, who shares his insights from the conference. The trio discusses the key takeaways, including the evolving narrative around livestock and the importance of adaptation in climate discussions. The conversation touches on the relevance of COP discussions to UK dairy farmers and the necessity of maintaining a voice in global climate dialogues. Chris Walkland also provides his latest milk market report, highlighting the challenges facing dairy prices and the impact of new policies, such as the upcoming milkshake tax. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this episode of the Kite Podcast, hosts Will Evans and Ben Eagle explore the state of Argentina’s dairy sector, examining its current challenges and long-term potential amid significant political and economic shifts. They’re joined by John Allen, fresh from a visit to Argentina, along with Lukasz Wyrzykowski, Managing Director of IFCN, and Hugo Quattrochi, an IFCN dairy researcher based in the country. Together, they discuss Argentina’s rich agricultural resources, the scale and strengths of its dairy production, and the realities farmers face in an unpredictable economic climate. The conversation also delves into the impact of recent political changes under President Milei, including efforts to tackle inflation and stabilise the currency, and what these reforms might mean for the dairy industry’s future. As always, the episode features Chris Walkland’s latest market report, offering insights into current milk prices and broader market trends. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this week’s episode of the Kite Podcast, we’re heading to New Zealand for a wide-ranging update on the country’s dairy sector. Following recent storms with winds reaching 155km/h and widespread power outages, we explore how agriculture has been affected and what it means for farmers on the ground. Will Evans is joined by James Allen, CEO of AgFirst, to discuss milk flows, pricing, farmer confidence, and the implications of Fonterra’s $4.22 billion sale to Lactalis. We also look at New Zealand’s dairy export ambitions, including the strategic opening of Fonterra’s London office as part of its global push. As always, Chris Walkland brings us the latest milk market report, and Becki Reay is behind the scenes producing the show. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been

prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute

advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no

representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or

otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products

during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy

Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter

are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The

contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.