Banks urged to be flexible with dairy farmers hit by superlevy bill

IFA national dairy chairman Kevin Kiersey has called on banks to stick with dairy farmer clients who may experience cash-flow difficulties this year as a result of a superlevy bill.

“Some of the farmers affected may have exceeded their quota by moderate amounts, but have received little or no benefit from fleximilk in this year of exceptionally strong milk production,” said Mr Kiersey.

“Some may have had their herds restricted with TB, and fared poorly from this year’s Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal’s temporary milk quota allocations.”

All these farmers will need support from their banks to facilitate cash flow and avoid financial situations which could be damaging to their long-term profitability, said Mr Kiersey.

“Banks must be receptive to their over-quota dairy farmer clients and work with them to facilitate superlevy bill payments over the coming months,” he said.