Boost for livestock farmers as UK farming profits surge

• Overall farming profits in the UK increased by £1.6 billion
• Boost to livestock output as the value of milk and beef increase
• Government reforms are putting more money back in farmers’ pockets, as part of our Plan for Change

The UK farming sector saw a 26% rise in profits last year, according to new figures released today (June 5^th, 2025).

The total income from farming in 2024 jumped to £7.7 billion in 2024 from £6.1 billion in 2023. This was driven by the growing value of milk and beef, coupled with a £1.2 billion fall in farmers’ costs, largely due to lower fertiliser prices.

The boost to farming income is fundamental to our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets – the number one mission for this government.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

“Farming incomes are on the rise - credit to the hard work of our farmers keeping the country fed and protecting the long-term food security our country needs.

“We’re determined to build on this progress – backing farmers to meet future challenges, strengthen food security, and support thriving rural communities.

“That’s why we’re investing £5 billion – the largest-ever budget for sustainable food production – and have appointed Baroness Minette Batters to recommend reforms that put more money back in farmers’ pockets, as part of our Plan for Change.”

The government has already taken decisive action under New Deal for Farmers to improve profitability in the farming sector. This includes:

• Slashing costs and red tape for food producers to export their produce to the EU.
• Making the supply chain fairer by introducing the Fair Dealing (Milk) Regulations, which came into effect on 9 July 2024, and the Fair Dealing (Pigs) Regulations have also recently received parliamentary approval.
• We’re backing British food with investment and action – aiming for at least 50% of food supplied in public sector contracts to come from local producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
• Extending the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for 5 years.
• Committed £110 million in farming grants to improve productivity, trial new technologies and drive innovation in the sector.
• Announced plans to invest over £200 million in a new National Biosecurity Centre to protect livestock from diseases.