VetPartners requires minimal milk value for dairy farmers

Members of the veterinary group VetPartners are calling for larger authorities assist for UK dairy farmers within the type of a minimal farmgate milk value.

VetPartners mentioned it takes care of various the UK’s dairy herds and needs to safe a good deal for the first producers of milk, different dairy merchandise and meat.

Members have written to MPs from a letter drafted by the scientific director at Westpoint Farm Vets in Ashford, Jack Balkham, calling for the federal government to “tackle the volatility of the milk market at a time when farmers are dealing with elevated labour prices”.

The common farmgate value for milk slipped to 37.6p/L in Might, in keeping with authorities figures – a close to 8% lower on the identical month a 12 months earlier.

The group mentioned that this has led to many farmers leaving the sector, as in addition they face elevated gasoline, gear, power and hire prices.

Vetpartners farm director, Ian Treatment, mentioned: “This business volatility makes it extremely tough for farmers to put money into their rural companies and plan for the longer term.

“The five-year, rolling common farmgate value for milk as of Might 2023 was 33.65p/L, and this has modified little or no during the last six years.

“It’s effectively documented that in current occasions, prices throughout all sectors have elevated with labour prices, gasoline, gear, rents and charges at an all-time excessive.”

UK dairy farming

Treatment mentioned present dairy manufacturing prices are unsustainable for farmers and that one thing “should be performed” to assist them.

“While the volatility of the milk market makes future enterprise planning extraordinarily tough, the current fall in value implies that many are struggling to make ends meet, with the knock-on impact of damaging rural economies,” he mentioned.

“Farmers that we work with have at all times and can at all times prioritise the well being and welfare of their cows, and try to supply incredible native meals for our nation.

“We perceive the federal government’s place in making an attempt to scale back inflation, this should not be on the expense of farmers.”

Treatment mentioned many farmers have already left the sector for financial causes and extra should be performed to stop this and prioritise meals safety.

“We implore the federal government to assist the implementation of a minimal farmgate value to make sure a good deal for British farmers.

“We perceive that this may improve prices, however they needn’t be met from the already stretched authorities funds.

“Processors and supermarkets ought to burden their fair proportion of the prices. It can’t be proper that crucial major producers at all times bear the brunt of market fluctuations,” he mentioned.