WILL there be any dairy farmers left milking cows in Herefordshire by 2020?

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers is trying to find out and wants to find the answers from farmers who are working in the industry at the moment.

Spokesman Tom Rabbetts said reports suggest that the average age for dairy farmers was 55 and the association was anxious to find out if there was anyone to succeed them in 11 years time.

The information is needed for the association to determine if there will still be a sustainable dairy industry, a national herd and, critically, enough people to manage and milk it in the future. It is carrying out a succession survey and urging farmers to take part.

Information will be treated in confidence and noone will be identified.

To take part, download a form from rabdf.co.uk/ lobbying or email tomrabbetts@ rabdf.co.uk.