October 2, 2007

Dairy Farmers of Britain to hike milk prices

Dairy Farmers of Britain, a cooperative milk processor in UK, has upped the price it pays for milk supplied by its conventional, Channel Islands and organic producers.

Starting October 1, conventional milk suppliers will receive an extra 2.45p/litre, taking the price to 23.5p/litre.

Channel Island milk suppliers will receive an extra 2.15p/litre, while organic suppliers will see an increase of 4.25p/litre.

The cooperative the latest price increase reflected its commitment to pass increased returns back to its members.

It expected to announce further raise in the coming months, it added.

Dairy Farmers of Britain also announced a change to its somatic cell count schedules for conventional and Channel Islands milk.

The change, which will take effect from October 1, will see penalties imposed on milk in the 251-300 somatic cell count range reduced.

The dairy said the change reflects less market sensitivity towards somatic cell count levels in the due to shortening milk supplies.