As part of First Milk's cost-saving drive, its procurement arm, First Milk Direct, is entering a strategic alliance with the Anglia Farmers (AF) buying group.

First Milk Direct already sources dairy inputs and products through the group, but the new deal will see Anglia Farmers administrate and expand a number of these services.

In addition to mainstream dairy requirements, AF will source a range of products and services including machinery, animal health products, insurance, fertiliser, feed and agrochemicals.

In return, First Milk Direct will offer AF's dairy members access to a range of products, including the cluster exchange scheme, bedding and bulk tanks.

First Milk is the largest dairy farmer-owned business in the UK with members' farms stretching from Central Scotland to the South of England and from West Wales to East Anglia.