Liquid milk farmers have threatened to dump milk as prices remain under pressure.Over 300 liquid milk farmers gathered at the IFA liquid milk rally in Portlaoise on Tuesday night to discuss the ongoing crisis in the liquid milk business. Farmers asked the top table to consider organising widespread withdrawal of milk supplies over the winter, so processors and retailers realised the problems that exist at farm level.
Liquid milk farmers have threatened to dump milk as prices remain under pressure.
Over 300 liquid milk farmers gathered at the IFA liquid milk rally in Portlaoise on Tuesday night to discuss the ongoing crisis in the liquid milk business. Farmers asked the top table to consider organising widespread withdrawal of milk supplies over the winter, so processors and retailers realised the problems that exist at farm level.
Speaking at the conference, Meath farmer Peter Farrell explained it was costing him 7.5c/l extra to produce milk during the winter, before fixed costs were included, and he was only getting an 8c/l bonus. He decided it was not worthwhile for his business and has withdrawn from producing liquid milk.
Farmer after farmer stood up and voiced concern that they were unwilling to continue a loss-making business.
While imports from Northern Ireland have underpinned the supply (26% imported) for the last number of years, some farmers explained that this winter would be different. They cited the EU incentive to curtail milk supplies, farmers switching to spring milk production and farmers going out of business as the main reasons why supplies could be tight in November, December and January this year.
“Glanbia and Tesco PLCs are looking to take every cent from us. I’m very worried for liquid milk supplies. The main issue is the best and most engaged farmers are leaving the industry. I’m not going to do the same thing and lose money again. If I’m not going to get paid, then I’m not going to stay in it.” – Larry Hannon, Kildare
“Your frustration here tonight confirms our fears. We have reached breaking point. Supplies are tightening back. The security of supply isn’t there anymore and nobody can take fresh milk for granted.” – John Finn, Galway and IFA liquid milk chair
“We need to take milk out of circulation, dispose of it on farm, take it out seven days at least. A liquid milk agency with stronger powers might have a role. Retailers are doing serious damage to the industry with one-year contracts.”
– Donal Kelleher, Cork
“We need 40c/l annualised for winter milk. Last year, it was 32c/l and this year will be below 30c/l. How can producers be paid properly for a quality product?” – John McGarry
“There are no young people coming into the industry. We have three big players and all co-ops with farmer board members on them. How come board members are not listening? There is a definite disconnect between farmers and some of these messages” – Eamon McEntaggert 
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: