DEAR SIR: I am writing in response to NI dairy consultants Ian Carrick and Jason McMinn’s article ‘The realities behind break-even milk price’. Finally, the harsh truths of our industry have been exposed.
Working alongside an independent consultant has proven beneficial to our business – we have maximised our efficiency to cut 2ppl out of our cost of production in two years. However, we can cut no more.
I believe stakeholders use the term ‘cost of production/break-even milk price’ very lightly as personal drawings and tax payments are often not included. Have we become slaves to the dairy giants? We are expected to live on fresh air.
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This article illustrates a balanced, accurate reflection of the average dairy farm with moderate figures, and no expenditure towards reinvestment.
The current milk price of 23ppl does not truly reflect the cost of farming. Instead, it equates to cash deficits, increased borrowing and an unsustainable business.
It seems we are milking cows for the sake of it. Surely our stakeholders must see our yearly cash shortfall and pain in our industry?
How do we expect future generations to work or come home to an unsustainable business, and future? This reality must be scrutinised further.
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DEAR SIR: I am writing in response to NI dairy consultants Ian Carrick and Jason McMinn’s article ‘The realities behind break-even milk price’. Finally, the harsh truths of our industry have been exposed.
Working alongside an independent consultant has proven beneficial to our business – we have maximised our efficiency to cut 2ppl out of our cost of production in two years. However, we can cut no more.
I believe stakeholders use the term ‘cost of production/break-even milk price’ very lightly as personal drawings and tax payments are often not included. Have we become slaves to the dairy giants? We are expected to live on fresh air.
This article illustrates a balanced, accurate reflection of the average dairy farm with moderate figures, and no expenditure towards reinvestment.
The current milk price of 23ppl does not truly reflect the cost of farming. Instead, it equates to cash deficits, increased borrowing and an unsustainable business.
It seems we are milking cows for the sake of it. Surely our stakeholders must see our yearly cash shortfall and pain in our industry?
How do we expect future generations to work or come home to an unsustainable business, and future? This reality must be scrutinised further.
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