Milk Prices turn sour in N. Ireland

Posted on: 25/08/2012

Farmers in Great Britain have been in the headlines for receiving a farm gate price less than the cost of production.

In Northern Ireland, 1,500 dairy farmers were receiving less than 21p per litre last month, but face an average cost of production of around 25p. It is obvious that our dairy farms are in a loss-making position. No one could expect dairy farmers to continue under these circumstances.

What's making matters worse is the persistent devaluing of milk by small, independent retailers. I have written to them with a simple message: stop selling milk as a loss-leader, otherwise the future supply of fresh milk from local farms will be jeopardised

Full Story: Belfast Telegraph : http://bit.ly/MSlVog

OTHER FARMING NEWS FOR THE MONTH OF 08/2012

25/08/2012 - Milk Prices turn sour in N. Ireland
In Northern Ireland, 1,500 dairy farmers were receiving less than 21p per litre last month, but face an average cost of production of around 25p.

25/08/2012 - Diary forecast to decline
Livestock margins increase, cereal farms depend on harvest, dairy margins to decline... are all part of the Teagasc August Advisory Newsletter.

25/08/2012 - Farmer facing eviction hopeful of settlement
A Limerick farmer who has blockaded the entrance to his home with tonnes of baled silage has said there are fresh hopes a settlement can be secured with Bank of Scotland, which got a court eviction order against him over an unpaid debt.

23/08/2012 - Tillage Farming in Wicklow
Todays Irish Times takes an insightful look at Tillage farming in Co Wicklow from the perspective of Tom Short. You get an opportunity to understand that despite the best plans and decisions, mother nature can make this a challenging business.

23/08/2012 - Swift Action call by Deputy OCuiv
"Minister remains idle even after poor summer for Farmers"

23/08/2012 - Weighing cattle is a new rural growth industry.
According to the Irish Examiner - Weighing cattle is a new rural growth Industry - read on....

23/08/2012 - Anger over Cattle Prices
IFA President John Bryan has warned factories bosses of mounting farmer anger at the savage cuts in cattle prices quotes, at a time when supplies are low and prices are much stronger on all our main markets in Northern Ireland, Britain and Europe.

23/08/2012 - National "Spud" day

23/08/2012 - Glanbia Farmers Final Decision soon
GLANBIA'S farmer shareholders have yet to agree on whether to take on their milk processing business with only a week to go until the company's deadline for a final decision.

22/08/2012 - Growers face financial losses
IFA National Grain Committee Chairman Noel Delany said that many growers are facing significant financial losses as the incessant wet weather continues to take its toll on crop yields despite rising prices. In excess of 500,000t in potential grain production has been lost at this stage.