Britain's Milk Gets Through Snow And Ice

UK - Milk will keep appearing on shop shelves and on doorsteps the length and breadth of the country, Dairy UK said on Thursday.
calendar icon 8 January 2010
clock icon 2 minute read

Despite temperatures in parts of the UK dropping as low as -18 degrees Centigrade, cows are still being milked, tankers are managing to collect from farms and the nation’s favourite dairy foods are getting to retail shelves and doorsteps.

Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg said: “Much of the country has been under snow and ice for nearly three weeks now, but the milk continues to get through.

“It is a testament to the dedication and skill of thousands of farmers, tanker drivers and milkmen that consumers are able to enjoy their usual milk and dairy products. Whether at the local supermarket, corner shop or from the milkman, plentiful supplies are getting through.

“Many in the industry have gone that extra mile in hazardous conditions to keep the system running smoothly and to make sure that Britain doesn’t lose its bottle.”

There are numerous tales of individual bravery and determination. Across the country, farmers have been keeping lanes and tracks passable so that milk can be collected.

Dairies have been working to fulfil extra orders from village shops, and are keeping supermarket shelves well stocked. Some milkmen have even taken to delivering from 4x4s to overcome the treacherous road conditions.

Ian Kay, this year’s Milkman of the Year, said: “The snow has made things very difficult for milkmen. We have to be out in the dark, when it’s harder to spot the ice and of course colder than it is during the day.

“But people are relying on us, so we’ve got to make sure we deliver. As long as there’s milk at the depot we’ll be picking it up and delivering it to people’s doorsteps. After all, it wouldn’t be breakfast without a pinta!”

TheCattleSite News Desk

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