Wiseman slashes milk price by 2ppl from 1 June

Robert Wiseman Dairies has confirmed a 2ppl price cut to farmers from 1 June.

The announcement comes only days after Dairy Crest announced a 2ppl price drop which has drawn widespread condemnation from the industry.

In a statement the company said the move reflected “the continuing and sustained impact of a challenging market environment and more recently a collapse in the value of bulk cream”.

Higher returns from cream prior to the turn of the year partially compensated for other pressures facing the business, but the collapse in bulk cream value since the beginning of 2012 has resulted in an untenable position, it said.

“As a consequence and following full and frank discussion with the Wiseman Milk Partnership Board, Wiseman is reducing its milk price by 2ppl to 26.42 pence for a standard litre from June 1, 2012.”

Pete Nicholson, Wiseman Milk Procurement Director, said it was the first time for three years that the price had been cut and reflected the competitive environment they were working in.

“The slide in the value of cream has accelerated since the turn of the year and the lack of relief from other market related pressures mean that we can no longer sustain the Wiseman milk price at the level it was at.

“It is essential that we continue to strike a balance between paying a competitive milk price to farmers who are not aligned with major retailers, and the ability to compete within our sector of the dairy industry.”

Are you affected â€“ see what farmers are saying about the price cuts on our forum â€“ or add your thoughts to the comment box below.

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