Farmers in Waterford are renewing calls for financial relief. The IFA has called on milk processors to maxamise the price paid for milk supplied in April.
Milk volumes continue to lag behind 2023 levels, where the CSO confirmed a drop of almost 6% in the first quarter of this year.
Speaking to WLR News, Laura Forbes, Waterford IFA Dairy Chair, says farmers continue to struggle.
"Volumes are way down. Our industry despite what some media sources might say, is in contraction. Not only have farmers had to take on the extra costs associated with the long winter and the poor spring, but volumes are down also. Our processors need to get behind us and maximise the payout for milk.
"It's been such an extreme year. We would like to acknowledge the support paid by some processors for March milk, but it needs to extend into April. The cashflow pressure on farms is huge and a boost is definitely needed.
"The weather has been terrible for all sectors. The winter seemed to be never-ending. The stock was housed for several months longer than the norm. If you combine that with the high input costs and the increasing costs of compliance, weakening margins, and stringing environmental regulation, you get dairy farmers who are under huge pressure."
IFA Dairy chair Stephen Arthur has called on milk processors to continue supporting their dairy farmers by maximising the price paid for April milk supplies.
“We have reached or passed the peak of production now, with no lift in milk volumes on the farm. This means reduced sales for dairy farmers, which is further compounded by the massive increase in the overall cost of production this Spring. We acknowledge the support paid by some processors for March milk, but it needs to extend into April to alleviate some of the cashflow pressure among dairy farmers at this stage,”
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