The number of dairy farmers in Cumbria has fallen sharply over the past three years, according to figures released by a national farming body.

Seventy-five dairy farms in the county went out of business or converted to another type of farming, such as beef or arable.

This is according to figures from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), covering 2013 to 2016.

The drop forms part of a wider decline in the industry that saw 1,022 dairy farms across the country close in the same three-year period.

In just one year, from July 2015 to July 2016, the number of dairy farmers went down by 239.

In its report, the AHDB raised concerns about the price farmers were being paid for their milk – and the impact that is having on their livelihood.

A bad economic climate and the falling price of milk have both contributed to the crisis the dairy industry finds itself in.

Mark Robinson, a dairy consultant from near Carlisle, spoke on the subject, saying he believed “things were picking up” finally.

He told The Cumberland News : “You could say the stars are starting to align. Things are picking up.

“We should see some improvement in milk prices over the next six to 12 months. Milk production in Europe is starting to ease back a bit.”

Mr Robinson said the average price for milk in Cumbria is 17p to 18p per litre – about 10p lower than the cost of production.

“Cumbria doesn’t benefit from the premium aligned milk contracts so we often get a raw deal here,” he said.

Mr Robinson added there were about 780 dairy farmers in the county at the present time.

Children failing to take over from parents in the family business was also leading to closures.

“That number is decreasing because often there is no inheritance line to continue,” he said.

Chris James, a county National Farmers’ Union group secretary, said: “Dairy farmers are dealing with a commercial market and it’s not just a market affected by local and regional factors. There are global issues.

“It’s going to be a long, slow road to recovery.”

While there have been small signs of recovery, there is further uncertainty ahead for the industry as a whole after the decision was made to leave the European Union, leading to question marks over the subsidies that come with membership.

The AHDB, as an industry-wide group is doing what it can to support farmers that are struggling.

A spokesman said: “The challenges many dairy farmers face as a consequence of the current milk price and market volatility are of great concern.

“It is important for dairy farmers to recognise and address the problems as soon as they become apparent and to seek technical advice and practical support from people and organisations to help manage the circumstances they face.”

People are now being encouraged to ensure that where possible, they buy local and buy British to help protect the industry.

Mr James said: “Public support is key for the future of farming.

“Now, more than ever, it is important for the public to look out for the Red Tractor symbol and buy British food.”