Dairy farmers were urged yesterday to head off to the US to make their fortune.

Business leaders from South Dakota were in Dumfriesshire to encourage farmers and their families to head west.

A recent upsurge in the state's cheese business has led to a shortfall of 65,000 cows.

Members of the South Dakota International Business Institute (SDIBI) are looking to dairy farmers from the UK and Holland to fill the gap.

Joop Bollen of the SDIBI said cheaper costs and reduced red tape were an incentive.

He said: "There is a very strong milk market and cheaper costs.

"There is no state income tax and no state corporate tax and the state will guarantee loans."

The SDIBI was due to speak to farmers in England later this week.