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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th January 2015
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Farmers shocked by First Milk decision
cows
Milk payments will be delayed by two weeks and farmers will be required to pay more in capital investments.
Milk payment delay 'a serious burden for farmers'

Dairy company First Milk has announced it will delay milk payments by two weeks and recover extra capital from farmers due to cash flow problems. The news comes at a time when farmers are already under huge financial pressure due to severe milk price cuts.

National Farmers Union (NFU) has called the announcement "wholly unacceptable" and is in urgent talks with the company.

For the dairy industry, 2014 was a year of unprecedented volatility. Returns from globally traded products fell by more than half, causing milk prices to plummet. The most recent companies to announce cuts to their 2015 prices were Arla and Dairy Crest.

First Milk says this volatility has restricted the cash available to its business. As such, the milk payment planned for January 12 will be delayed until January 26. All future payments to farmers will also be delayed by two weeks.

In addition, members' capital investment has been increased from 0.5 to 2 pence per litre (ppl) for milk supplied between December 2014 and August 2015 and the capital investment target has risen from 5 to 7ppl.

From February 1, 2015, the company will cut its milk prices by 1.33ppl for its manufacturing pool and 0.5ppl for the liquid pool, bring the prices to 21.57ppl and 21.2ppl respectively.

First Milk's chairman Sir Jim Paice MP said: "These moves will deliver a cash injection into the business and play an integral role in putting our finances and our business on a stronger platform as we approach the spring flush.

"We understand that the milk payment deferral will cause concern for members as direct debits and payments will have been lined up against milk cheques."

NFU's president Meurig Raymond said: "It is quite clear that this announcement will be a serious burden for farmers and will be damaging to cash flow at an expensive and demanding time of year for costs."

Mr Raymond said he will personally contact all major agricultural banks to ask for their understanding and support for dairy farming businesses. First Milk says it is also working with major banks to explain its decision.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.