Alongside an array of other farming concerns in a post-Brexit world, including the UK reducing their animal welfare standards to meet the food demands that pulling out of the EU will bring, there are also concerns that farmers may feel forced to cull their herds as they fail to secure money for their animals. An estimated 45,000 dairy cows in Northern Ireland may be culled as and the Government needs to prevent the unnecessary deaths of thousands of animals. 

This nightmare could become a reality if farmers cannot secure good tariffs for the trade of their cattle and other animals. However, the UK Government can help to prevent this. They must provide subsidies to farmers who will suffer losses, to prevent the need for culling and instead encourage the ‘drying off’ of herds, or alternative use of milk than salve e.g., as fertiliser for fields (but not dumping for environmental pollution reasons).  

Managing the short-term effects of Brexit is only the first hurdle. For the long term, it is important that the Government and producers consider reducing the national demand we have for meat and dairy. Consequently, this would also help to reduce the impact that factory farming is currently having on our planet. 

You can do your part and pledge to reduce your meat intake, below: