DAIRY farmers from across the North of England are urged to attend the NFU's Northern Dairy Conference in Skipton on Tuesday, December 9.

The half-day event is especially important this year given the severe problems affecting the sector. Debate is raging about the best way of responding to and planning for the crippling market volatility that has left many dairy farmers fearing for the future.

Laurie Norris, regional dairy adviser, said: "With contracts still at the heart of the problem and only very few milk buyers taking direct action to put safeguards in place to secure future supply, it is now crucial that all sectors of the industry pull together.”

The speakers include George Eustice MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defra.; Rob Harrison, chairman of the NFU national dairy board; and Gwynn Jones, the new chairman of Dairy Co. Questions and an open discussion will follow their presentations.

The free meeting is at the Rendezvous Hotel from 10am and concludes with lunch. Book a place on 01904 451550 or email north.east@nfu.org.uk.