Free State dairy farmers hard hit

The current oversupply, low international producer and dairy product prices, high import volumes and reduced producer prices have hit Free State dairy farmers hard. Some milk buyers in the province have notified producers that milk collection will cease between 31 July and 30 September 2015 – a total volume of 130 000 litres per day. Several farmers have also not received full payment for milk delivered in May 2015. This increases the cost squeeze producers are already experiencing, increasing the risk that these producers may exit the industry.

As in the past, the MPO is doing everything possible to assist producers in obtaining new markets and facilitating the payment of milk already supplied. Please contact the manager member services Philip Swart at 082 462 1712 or e-mail philip@mpo.co.za for support and advice in this regard.