Farming leaders welcome milk price rise
Farming leaders have welcomed an announcement by Shropshire's biggest dairy that it will increase the price farmers are paid for milk.
Müller-owned Robert Wiseman Dairies, based in Market Drayton, says it will phase in a 1.5 pence per litre increase between December 1 and February, taking the price it pays to 30.5p.
The National Farmers' Union has said the price is going in the right direction but warned it needs to go 'further and faster' as the cost of production is above 31p per litre.
John Mercer, the NFU's regional director, gave the announcement a cautious welcome.
He said: "Some solid work has been done by the NFU, members of the dairy coalition and grassroots farmers to push for a fair and functioning market place for the UK dairy industry.
"The SOS dairy campaign has helped to put the sector firmly in the spotlight, leading to discussions with Government, milk buyers, processors and other large buyers of milk to try and secure a fairer return. This work needs to continue.
"News of a price rise for December will certainly be welcomed by Shropshire dairy farmers and we'd like to congratulate Müller Wiseman for being the first to announce one.
"However, faced with cost pressures this season, the staggered nature of this rise will only alleviate some of the pressure on county businesses.
"This is the right direction of travel but we would have liked to have seen the price rising further and faster."
Mr Mercer said dairy farmers are still facing difficulties. He said, due to the wet summer, production is down and indicators suggest it will be depressed for next year.
"I'm not convinced this is enough to reverse this trend," he added.
