The marked decline in numbers reflects the slaughter of millions of sheep during the foot and moth crisis of 2001.

Average milk prices in 1984 were around 15 pence a litre. 20 years on things are not much better.

Milk yields per cow rise as farmers try to make sense of the economics of a quota controlled market where prices are lower than the cost of production.

The pig industry struggles to remain competitive in the UK where it is saddled with additional welfare and environmental obligations that overseas producers do not face.

Consolidation in the dairy industry continues.

Long run consolidation in the dairy industry continues. The beef sector shows contraction on account of the foot and mouth disease slaughterings in 2001.

Millions of birds meeting the UK's poultry needs with around 90% self sufficiency.

Declining output reflecting contraction in herd size and lower prices.

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