Government reaches out to Free State dairy farmers

Several representatives from the Free State’s Department of Agriculture attended the MPO Free State regional management meeting on 31 July 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain information on the current market situation and establish whether dairy farmers could be assisted within the current policy framework. Chairman Gideon Lamprecht led the meeting and assured milk producers that the MPO is doing everything within its power to assist producers affected by milk processors ceasing milk collection and late payment. The MPO has already met with all milk processors collecting in the Free State and some in Gauteng to secure new buyers and facilitate payment of milk already delivered. Lamprecht emphasised that it is critical for each producer to analyse their own situation and put measures in place to address deficiencies. Dr Chris van Dijk said the MPO is revising its strategy with the focus on services to assist dairy farmers in improving on-farm efficiency and profitability.