PRICESLOW, HOPESHIGH
PRICESLOW, HOPESHIGH
Low milk prices seem to dominate discussions between producers once again and it is impossible to see how anyone can run a sustainable business at prices on offer this summer.
Hopefully, this situation will be reversed as co-op processing capacity increases in the coming months. This should increase the demand for milk, putting a bottom in the market. But, with low commodity prices this year, where this bottom is will depend on forces further afield in Europes intervention market.
It seems coping with price fluctuations and prices below costs of production will remain a challenge for some time. If anyone has a magic solution to this I hope it will soon be made public.
In the meantime, this Update reveals the thinking behind a few producers plans to survive, including sharing ideas to improve management, making best use of grazing and plans for expansion to dilute costs.
To help find a few more tips for improving profits for high yielding herds a visit to the Challenging Dairy Solutions – 2002 conference may also be in order (p19).
But if you have really had enough of UK dairying and are prepared to consider farming elsewhere, check our conference report on the prospects and possible profits in Western Australia.
Farmer Focus 3
Rapid change to grazing pays 6
Western Australia seeks producers 8
Progress in processing 10
Grassland 2002 ticket offer 12
Doubling high yielding herd to boost profit 14
Giving flies the brush off 17
Selecting lower cell counts 18
Plans for more accurate bull proofs 19
Challenging Dairy Solutions – conference invite 19
Shear grab maintenance 20
New bull stud opened in Devon 22
Edited by Jessica BussNext issue: June 7