A dairy farmer based in the Eden area has called for an “enduring step change” in the prices paid to producers for their milk.
The call came from First Milk director and vice-chairman Robert Craig, of Armathwaite, as the farmer-owned co-operative this week announced a further 2.3p per litre milk price increase for its suppliers for May.
The price rise comes on top of the increase it announced last month for May, to give a total milk price increase from the first of the month of 3.3p per litre from the current level.
This will take its May milk price on a manufacturing standard litre to 40.05p per litre, including the member premium and regenerative bonus.
First Milk’s standard litre milk price last May was 29.43p. However, ammonium nitrate fertiliser cost around £279 per tonne in February, 2021, but was £649 by February of this year — and is now nearer £1,000, if farmers can get it.
Similarly, red diesel was 57p per litre last May but is now £1.02.
Mr Craig said: “Exceptional cost inflation continues to be felt on farm and we are working hard to return additional income to our members as fast as we can.
“There is a growing need to see an enduring step change in dairy prices that recognises the true value of milk, and we will continue to do all we can to deliver this.”
