Dairy cow numbers in the UK have fallen to record low levels, AHDB figures show, despite milk production continuing to rise, increasing pressure on producers.
The UK milking herd stood at 1.63 million head in October 2025, the lowest ever recorded for October, and down 0.9% compared to the same period last year.
Overall, the total number of dairy herds in the UK fell by 1.3% year-on-year to 2.51 million head. Declines were recorded in most age groups, with only cows aged 4-6 and 6-8 bucking this trend.
The average age of cows increased slightly to 4.56 years, making the milking herd slightly older than last year.
Changes within individual age categories highlight areas where pressure is most severe. Heifers between 2 and 4 years of age showed the biggest decline, dropping by 28,000 head. The number of animals in the 2-year-old and under category also decreased significantly, by 19,000 animals.
The decline in young animals is not new. According to AHDB data, the downward trend in the under-two age group has continued since October 2022, raising concerns about long-term herd turnover.
In contrast, the number of animals in the 4-6 year category increased by 18,000 animals compared to the previous year. This reflects animals born during the 2021 young herd boom that are now moving into the core milking herd.
Movement of older cattle was restricted. The number of individuals aged 6 to 8 years increased by almost 1,000 individuals, but the number of individuals over 8 years of age decreased by approximately 6,000 individuals.
Despite shrinking milking herds, milk production continues to increase. AHDB said the figures demonstrate improved productivity, with higher yields per cow resulting in record milk shipments.
Looking to the future, it seems likely that the herd will further decline. With milk prices easing and commodity markets under pressure, farmers are expected to weed out older, underperforming animals while high cull cattle prices remain.
