United Milk looks to non-members for backing

By Farmers Weekly staff

FARMER-owned United Milk is inviting non-members to invest in its planned 30 million liquid milk processing plant.

The move is designed to counter a predicted drop in membership through retirement and to secure additional milk supplies.

It does not reflect a lack of interest among the existing 800 members, says chief executive Don Morris.

“It is simply a recognition that, because of the current milk price being offered to farmers, some people are choosing to leave the industry.

“We anticipate that our membership will erode, too.”

More milk is also needed to meet demand once the factory is commissioned, says Mr Morris.