Dairy farmers 'near breaking point'

They are warning processors that they cannot sustain any more cuts to milk prices.

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association dairy chairman Noel Murphy said that while markets are under some pressure at wholesale level which resulted in co-ops cutting farmgate prices this year, "it is time for milk purchasers to show their mettle".

Dairy farmers are "near breaking point now" as they warn processors that they cannot sustain any more cuts to milk prices.

With processors to confirm their prices for March milk supplies in the coming days, Irish Farmers’ Association dairy chairman Stephen Arthur said that farmers have endured price cuts in excess of 10c per litre since January, "which equates to an income reduction of €50,000 for the average supplier".