UK sees sharp rise in ‘battery cow’ farms as dairy industry faces rising pressure

The number of intensive dairy farms in the UK where cows are kept indoors year-round has more than doubled over the past decade, amid growing financial pressure on farmers and rising concerns over animal welfare and pollution.An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found there are now at least 180 dairy farms across the UK where some cattle reportedly have no access to outdoor grazing, up from around 70 in 2015.According to The Guardian, the investigation also identified a sharp increase in so-called “mega dairies” housing more than 700 cows, with around 40 such farms now operating across Britain. Some of the largest facilities reportedly contain more than 2,000 cattle.The expansion of intensive dairy farming comes as farmers face soaring production costs, including higher prices for fertiliser, fuel, and feed. In contrast, milk prices have in some cases fallen below production costs.Some farmers told investigators they felt forced to adopt larger, more intensive systems to remain financially viable.The investigation found that several large dairy-producing areas, including Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Cheshire, had become hotspots for factory-style dairy farming.Unlike intensive poultry and pig farms, large dairy units in the UK are not currently required to hold environmental permits, meaning there is no official public register showing how many exist or where they are located.Campaigners and some farmers raised concerns over the welfare of cows permanently housed indoors, with critics referring to the systems as “battery cows”.Patrick Holden, chief executive of the Sustainable Food Trust, said the practice mirrored concerns previously raised over battery farming in the poultry sector.Others within the industry defended intensive systems, arguing that indoor housing can allow closer monitoring of animal health and improve productivity.The report also highlighted concerns about pollution linked to dairy and beef farming, with environmental campaigners calling for tighter regulation of large livestock units.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it was considering extending environmental permitting requirements to dairy farms as part of efforts to reduce pollution incidents.Industry groups said farmers were already operating under significant financial strain and warned that additional regulation could increase pressure on businesses struggling to remain profitable.