Chance to take sting out of volatility at EU level

Last year was a diverse one, a year I feel epitomised what could be in store for farmers in the future.

Volatility, be it weather, input costs, or output prices, have been a feature of the dairy landscape since 2007 and will remain a huge challenge into the future.

While farmers have seen improved returns over the past six months, the bills from the previous year are still being paid on many farms and I feel strong prices will be needed if the sector is to achieve its objectives of expansion and efficiency. On milk price outlook, it is clear that the first half of 2014 should be positive for milk price but, given the vagaries of dairy markets, predicting beyond that is dependent on the global supply situation. I earnestly hope that markets will remain strong for all of 2014.