Does there need to be changes in how we’re paid for our milk?

THE second cut is safely in the clamp, and fertiliser and slurry were spread almost immediately onto the aftermaths before the rain arrived. It usually doesn’t happen like that, but it is extremely gratifying when a plan actually works for a change.

The whole crop is looking well, and it won’t be long before we harvest. Hopefully, it will balance out the winter forage stocks as the first cut was not quite up to our expectations.

The cows are milking well, thank goodness, and the milk price has switched to a much-needed bonus for the coming months. I have never seen cash flow as tight as it is right now.

With this in mind, the Welsh Government dairy contract consultation, held in conjunction with other UK governments, has opened and is available to see on the NFU Cymru website. It is important that all dairy farmers participate and give their views on this potential game changing consultation.

NFU Cymru has worked tirelessly trying to bring about a step change for how farmers sell milk within the supply chain. In real terms, at a farm level, milk price hasn’t really increased in decades, you have to question if this is sustainable going forward, is it fair and is something broken?

Does there need to be some change in how we get paid for our milk? I feel we all desperately need to look at this and I hope every farmer takes the time to look at the five key points of dairy contract reform that NFU Cymru is advocating. There are also a series of virtual meetings taking place on this subject, with more information available on the NFU Cymru website. Please involve yourself, air your concerns and views and help reform dairy contracts so that future generations can benefit.

As lockdown eases, I see there is much more traffic on the road as life is tenderly trying to get back to a new normal, and I’m relieved to say I managed to get a much-needed haircut. I feel like a newly sheared sheep ready to go somewhere.

This week would have been the Royal Welsh Show week, which we all will sadly miss due to Covid-19. It is usually at this time where discussions take place on who stays and who goes to the show.

I find the youngsters almost need as much recovery time afterwards as the time they spent in the show. Please continue to stay safe, and happy farming.