FIVE dairy farmers from the Yorkshire Dales met the Prince of Wales at his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire, last week.

They are all members of the Prince's Dairy Initiative which offers practical business support to potentially vulnerable small and medium sized dairy farms.

Now in its third year it's work has never been more vital. Today's devastatingly low milk prices are seeing seven dairy farms a week quit and has resulted in the number of UK milk producers dip below 10,000 for the first time.

Prince Charles invited 91 farming families from across the UK to Highgrove and spoke to each of them individually to hear about the challenges they are facing and how the Initiative is helping.

The five Dales farmers included Richard and Sarah Weatherald, who farm near Redmire; Steve Iveson and Val Bentley ,and Gary and Sarah Simpson, who both farm near Wensley; John and Sadie Bainbridge, who farm on the banks of the river Swale near Marrick; and Robert and Beverley Preston who farm in the lower Swale catchment near Northallerton.

The Weatherald's have a 100 cow herd and are in their third year of the scheme. They were thrilled to meet the Prince and enthusiastic about the Initiative."You never stop learning," said Mr Weatherald, "It is also good to get off your own farm and meet different farmers. Both workshops have delivered so far."

Prince Charles has long been concerned about the future sustainability of UK dairy farming. The Initiative is delivered by his charity – Business in the Community – in partnership with DairyCo and now has the commitment of all major UK dairy processors and feed companies.

The Initiative aims to increase the diversity and long term sustainability of the British dairy sector by offering a package of tailored business support to small and medium sized dairy farms. Farmers take part in practical workshops delivered locally by dairy experts.

Topics include herd health, soil and slurry management, nutrition and how to speak to the bank manager. As well as reducing costs and improving technical farm performance, the farmers also benefit from joining a network of local, like-minded people to share knowledge and best practice with.

Altogether 216 farmers have joined in the programme since 2012. All are still in business and an independent evaluation showed the majority feel more confident about their future as a result of participating.

Lynsday Chapman, Dairy Crest's director of agricultural and farmer communications, is chairman of the Initiative. St the reception she said: "This is an important time to support vulnerable farmers. I hope that today has made the farmers see how valued they are, and given them the confidence boost they need to continue dairying."

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community said: “Dairy farmers are key to a thriving rural economy and the lifeblood of prosperous rural communities. The practical support provided by The Prince’s Dairy Initiative has never been so crucial and we are delighted to celebrate the programme today in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, whose leadership and vision inspired it.”

Tony Hoile, DairyCo extension officer for Northern England, said: "The initiative could not have come to Yorkshire at a more opportune time in the cycle of milk price volatility. The sense of community that was already strong has been strengthened among farmers in the group."

He knew of one family who had previously seriously considered quitting dairying. "However the Initiative and the ability to share concerns and aspirations with other farmers has made the whole family decide to keep going and endure the current low milk prices until better times return," he said.