Making the most of 2016 with Crediton Milling

CREDITON Milling hosted a "Question Time" style event for dairy farmers at Trethorne Leisure, Launceston, Cornwall.

There were five panellists each of which is heavily involved in the dairy industry, along with a chairman.

The panel were; chairman Ian Harvey – finance director Dairy Crest Direct and Launceston dairy farmer, Di Wastenage of Wastenage Farms, Simon Abdilla agriculture manager for Lloyds Bank, Richard Stanbury consultant at WD Consultants and general manager of Dairy Crest Direct, Phil Cork head of milk supply, Crediton Dairy and Daniel Forrester director of Penbode Vets.

The panel received pre-vetted questions all associated with the dairy industry and the commencing year.

About 85 farmers attended the event which began with a discussion on milk prices and how farmers can survive, planning ahead and budgeting, as well as understanding and meeting milk contract criteria.

Rather than cutting costs, efficiency was spoken about.

Succession and involving the younger generation was also spoken about, and how they should be involved in decision making.

The big word of the night was "collaboration."

Although the dairy industry is hardly attractive right now, there are many youngsters still wanting to get in to dairy farming.

With no milk contracts available, the panel believe that collaboration between a retiring farmer and a young farmer will still allow the younger generation to be a part of the industry.

The general opinion, was until supply drops, milk price won’t rise.

Although there are herd dispersals every week, the milk will only go in another farmer’s tank and that is the problem.

The other main problem is that farmers are attempting to produce more milk at a lower milk price, to reduce the drop on the milk cheque.

There was a concern if farmers attempt to drop their milk yields there could be possible problems including poor fertility and health problems.

Milk quotas were mentioned and the panel felt that they should be brought back in to control the milk supply.

A similar event will be held in April and will follow the same format. It will be held at the Devon Hotel, Exeter on Thursday, April 7 and a third event will be held in Somerset on Thursday April 28.