Queensland dairy farmers finally being paid price that might keep them in business
AUSTRALIA - Queensland dairy farmers who have survived deregulation and dollar-a-litre milk are finally being paid closer to their break-even point by all but one major processor.
10 March 2020
1 minute read
Whether it will be enough to keep about 300 remaining dairy farmers in business will depend on the coming seasons.
Despite recent rain, it will take time to reduce the spiralling cost of grain and hay due to drought.
Maleny Dairies has publicly pledged its continued commitment to its 11 suppliers launching a new campaign called 'Because We Care'.
Owners Ross and Sally Hopper have raised the wholesale price of their milk by 12 cents a litre and adopted a 'We Care Dairy' logo.
The first price rise in five years has enabled the couple to pay farmers an average between 73–75.5 cents per litre — up from 64.9 cents in January last year.
"They are [Queensland dairy farmers] still disappearing at a great rate of knots," Mr Hopper said.
"We just want to indicate to the public that we are making a big effort for our farmers and keeping the money local."
The couple has invested around $10 million in factory upgrades, including plastic bottle blowing and recycling.
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Source: ABC Online
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