Milk is a household staple in most Australian homes—it's what we douse our early morning wake-up brew with, the main ingredient in our creamy pasta sauces, and, let’s not forget, the indispensable partner to our beloved cereals

Simply put, it’s almost impossible for an Australian household to go a day without enjoying a glass of chilled milk or one of its many by-products.

If that description falls true for you, we're afraid we have a rather disheartening prediction for you today—your dear cup of milk is about to get a bit pricier at the supermarket.

Our national dairy industry has been gradually shrinking over the last couple of decades. With less supply available to satiate the collective thirst of the Aussie consumer base, prices are seemingly bound to go up.

The recent increase in milk prices has been attributed to various factors, posing challenges for consumers and the dairy industry alike. Image by Alexas Fotos from pexels

Mark Billing, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president, stepped up to help us understand this increasing concern.

Over recent decades, he explains, many milk producers had to call it quits because milk wasn’t bringing home the bacon. This scarcity has made milk a bit of a hot commodity.

'Milk prices at the shelf had stayed stable for 10 or 15 years or more. Thus, the milk price at the retail level has not kept up with inflation at all.' Billing emphasised.

He painted a visibly grim picture of the milk industry by mentioning that the national milk pool was down by 5.3 per cent at the end of May 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. This means that milk is no longer as abundant as it once was.

In response to this growing milk scarcity, the cost of our dairy delights increased by a whopping 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It seems our milk is about to become even costlier, with dairy processors indicating their intentions to increase the farm gate price of milk for suppliers.

Supporting local dairy farmers helps sustain the local economy, promotes food security, and ensures the availability of fresh, high-quality dairy products while fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations. Image from shutterstock

But don't let this news curdle your spirits just yet! Our loyal Aussie dairy farmers are in sore need of some good news.

A cost increase on milk has been a long time coming, especially when you consider how the number of dairy farmers in Victoria took a deep plunge from 14,000 in the 1970s to a mere 3,000 today.

‘In the 1970s ... there were around 14,000 dairy farmers in Victoria. There’s now 3,000.’ he said.

In concrete terms, Billing confirmed, 'We're still in negative (price) territory from a dairy farmer's point of view because dairy prices didn't move for so long in relative terms. We've got to see movement at the retail level if we want to sustain a profitable dairy industry in Australia.'

The price bump isn't merely a money grab from your pockets. It's a lifeline to a struggling industry and, more specifically, to the Aussie farmers who've toiled relentlessly to ensure our families receive fresh and nutritious milk.

Key Takeaways

• The price of milk in Australia is likely to rise due to a decrease in supply from the shrinking Australian dairy industry.
• Increased production costs and weather have presented ongoing challenges for dairy farmers.
• The Australian Dairy Producers Federation reports a 5.3 per cent drop in the national milk pool compared to the same period last year. In comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded an increase in dairy product prices of 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023.

As we wrap up, let's ponder on this question: How can we support our local dairy farmers and ensure the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry while navigating potential price increases?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the actions we can take as consumers to make a positive difference and show our appreciation for the hard work of our dairy farmers.

 

[Observer]

Milk had supposedly gone up by 10 cents a litre to help out farmers (I am sure that was the initial intension but that was already a few years ago and we haven't seen it actually come down again since, so I have my doubts).
Because it hasn't come down, have farmers actually been benefitting from the 10 cent per litre hike?
And now they are talking about putting the price up again.

 

[Catherines]

Perhaps some farmers on rural farms might like to open their farm gates to the public who can get there. Cut out the middle man making the profit (as in the big supermarkets).

 

[Big M]

Milk had supposedly gone up by 10 cents a litre to help out farmers (I am sure that was the initial intension but that was already a few years ago and we haven't seen it actually come down again since, so I have my doubts).
Because it hasn't come down, have farmers actually been benefitting from the 10 cent per litre hike?
And now they are talking about putting the price up again.

The farmers are doing it tough and deserve to get a price hike - they are having hard times too you moron!

 

[Observer]

The farmers are doing it tough and deserve to get a price hike - they are having hard times too you moron!

Take a look at the overall picture and keep an open mind. No need for name calling.

 

[Luckyus]

Milk is a household staple in most Australian homes—it's what we douse our early morning wake-up brew with, the main ingredient in our creamy pasta sauces, and, let’s not forget, the indispensable partner to our beloved cereals

Simply put, it’s almost impossible for an Australian household to go a day without enjoying a glass of chilled milk or one of its many by-products.

If that description falls true for you, we're afraid we have a rather disheartening prediction for you today—your dear cup of milk is about to get a bit pricier at the supermarket.

Our national dairy industry has been gradually shrinking over the last couple of decades. With less supply available to satiate the collective thirst of the Aussie consumer base, prices are seemingly bound to go up.

View attachment 24032

The recent increase in milk prices has been attributed to various factors, posing challenges for consumers and the dairy industry alike. Image by Alexas Fotos from pexels

Mark Billing, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president, stepped up to help us understand this increasing concern.

Over recent decades, he explains, many milk producers had to call it quits because milk wasn’t bringing home the bacon. This scarcity has made milk a bit of a hot commodity.

'Milk prices at the shelf had stayed stable for 10 or 15 years or more. Thus, the milk price at the retail level has not kept up with inflation at all.' Billing emphasised.

He painted a visibly grim picture of the milk industry by mentioning that the national milk pool was down by 5.3 per cent at the end of May 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. This means that milk is no longer as abundant as it once was.

In response to this growing milk scarcity, the cost of our dairy delights increased by a whopping 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It seems our milk is about to become even costlier, with dairy processors indicating their intentions to increase the farm gate price of milk for suppliers.

View attachment 24033

Supporting local dairy farmers helps sustain the local economy, promotes food security, and ensures the availability of fresh, high-quality dairy products while fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations. Image from shutterstock

But don't let this news curdle your spirits just yet! Our loyal Aussie dairy farmers are in sore need of some good news.

A cost increase on milk has been a long time coming, especially when you consider how the number of dairy farmers in Victoria took a deep plunge from 14,000 in the 1970s to a mere 3,000 today.

‘In the 1970s ... there were around 14,000 dairy farmers in Victoria. There’s now 3,000.’ he said.

In concrete terms, Billing confirmed, 'We're still in negative (price) territory from a dairy farmer's point of view because dairy prices didn't move for so long in relative terms. We've got to see movement at the retail level if we want to sustain a profitable dairy industry in Australia.'

The price bump isn't merely a money grab from your pockets. It's a lifeline to a struggling industry and, more specifically, to the Aussie farmers who've toiled relentlessly to ensure our families receive fresh and nutritious milk.

Key Takeaways

• The price of milk in Australia is likely to rise due to a decrease in supply from the shrinking Australian dairy industry.
• Increased production costs and weather have presented ongoing challenges for dairy farmers.
• The Australian Dairy Producers Federation reports a 5.3 per cent drop in the national milk pool compared to the same period last year. In comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded an increase in dairy product prices of 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023.

As we wrap up, let's ponder on this question: How can we support our local dairy farmers and ensure the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry while navigating potential price increases?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the actions we can take as consumers to make a positive difference and show our appreciation for the hard work of our dairy farmers.

Of course milk prices at the supermarket will have no bearing on the Processed Milk Powder being Exported?.

 

[Observer]

Of course milk prices at the supermarket will have no bearing on the Processed Milk Powder being Exported?.

Yes, that has gone up as well

 

[Nana Zorak]

I won't ever compromise on my milk. As I buy one of the dearest types I will keep on buying it & while doing that I will hope the farmers get the extra I pay.

 

[trakn]

Why is it that you will pay $3 a litre for a bit of water sugar and flavouring. Yet be asked to pay $3 a litre for milk and your suddenly ahgast at the price.
Do you people really know where milk comes from or how much work goes into producing it.
Besides having to milk cows twice a day seven days a week 365 days a year they have to be fed , maintained in a healthy condition. They have to clean their machines twice daily plus maintain, grow pastures, shift electric fences, grow and store hay. They have to know what genetics their animals have and know which will benefit their herd. Not to mention coping with the vagaries that nature throws at them.
Tell me what other occupations HAVE to work seven days a week without an option. All for 30cents a litre
I wonder why dairying is down from 14000 to 3000.
No people milk doesn't come in a carton.
You don't bitch about paying 80cent for an egg.

 

[trakn]

I won't ever compromise on my milk. As I buy one of the dearest types I will keep on buying it & while doing that I will hope the farmers get the extra I pay.

Buying the dearest doesn't ensure that the farmers get more. Look for one that the farmers have an association with

 

[trakn]

Th

Perhaps some farmers on rural farms might like to open their farm gates to the public who can get there. Cut out the middle man making the profit (as in the big supermarkets).

Ey are not allowed to

 

[trakn]

Of course milk prices at the supermarket will have no bearing on the Processed Milk Powder being Exported?.

Milk powder prices have nothing to do with fresh milk prices

 

[Squizzy1]

Milk is a household staple in most Australian homes—it's what we douse our early morning wake-up brew with, the main ingredient in our creamy pasta sauces, and, let’s not forget, the indispensable partner to our beloved cereals

Simply put, it’s almost impossible for an Australian household to go a day without enjoying a glass of chilled milk or one of its many by-products.

If that description falls true for you, we're afraid we have a rather disheartening prediction for you today—your dear cup of milk is about to get a bit pricier at the supermarket.

Our national dairy industry has been gradually shrinking over the last couple of decades. With less supply available to satiate the collective thirst of the Aussie consumer base, prices are seemingly bound to go up.

View attachment 24032

The recent increase in milk prices has been attributed to various factors, posing challenges for consumers and the dairy industry alike. Image by Alexas Fotos from pexels

Mark Billing, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president, stepped up to help us understand this increasing concern.

Over recent decades, he explains, many milk producers had to call it quits because milk wasn’t bringing home the bacon. This scarcity has made milk a bit of a hot commodity.

'Milk prices at the shelf had stayed stable for 10 or 15 years or more. Thus, the milk price at the retail level has not kept up with inflation at all.' Billing emphasised.

He painted a visibly grim picture of the milk industry by mentioning that the national milk pool was down by 5.3 per cent at the end of May 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. This means that milk is no longer as abundant as it once was.

In response to this growing milk scarcity, the cost of our dairy delights increased by a whopping 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It seems our milk is about to become even costlier, with dairy processors indicating their intentions to increase the farm gate price of milk for suppliers.

View attachment 24033

Supporting local dairy farmers helps sustain the local economy, promotes food security, and ensures the availability of fresh, high-quality dairy products while fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations. Image from shutterstock

But don't let this news curdle your spirits just yet! Our loyal Aussie dairy farmers are in sore need of some good news.

A cost increase on milk has been a long time coming, especially when you consider how the number of dairy farmers in Victoria took a deep plunge from 14,000 in the 1970s to a mere 3,000 today.

‘In the 1970s ... there were around 14,000 dairy farmers in Victoria. There’s now 3,000.’ he said.

In concrete terms, Billing confirmed, 'We're still in negative (price) territory from a dairy farmer's point of view because dairy prices didn't move for so long in relative terms. We've got to see movement at the retail level if we want to sustain a profitable dairy industry in Australia.'

The price bump isn't merely a money grab from your pockets. It's a lifeline to a struggling industry and, more specifically, to the Aussie farmers who've toiled relentlessly to ensure our families receive fresh and nutritious milk.

Key Takeaways

• The price of milk in Australia is likely to rise due to a decrease in supply from the shrinking Australian dairy industry.
• Increased production costs and weather have presented ongoing challenges for dairy farmers.
• The Australian Dairy Producers Federation reports a 5.3 per cent drop in the national milk pool compared to the same period last year. In comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded an increase in dairy product prices of 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023.

As we wrap up, let's ponder on this question: How can we support our local dairy farmers and ensure the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry while navigating potential price increases?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the actions we can take as consumers to make a positive difference and show our appreciation for the hard work of our dairy farmers.

Milk has already jumped 20% and cheese 40-50% and those remaining dairies would be much bigger herds.

 

[Ronloby]

These milk farmers need all the support they can get. The farmers have been lent on by milk processors and supermarkets for many years so it is about time people stood up for the farmers and their herds and give them a better life.

 

[Subduedshilo]

I would buy direct from the dairy if it was possible

 

[Macarj]

I think milk is under priced you pay a lot more for fizzy water I actually buy my milk from a farm at a market every Saturday and don't mind paying $4.50 a bottle I think it is 750ml but great milk great in my coffee high cream content

 

[Ricki]

Milk is a household staple in most Australian homes—it's what we douse our early morning wake-up brew with, the main ingredient in our creamy pasta sauces, and, let’s not forget, the indispensable partner to our beloved cereals

Simply put, it’s almost impossible for an Australian household to go a day without enjoying a glass of chilled milk or one of its many by-products.

If that description falls true for you, we're afraid we have a rather disheartening prediction for you today—your dear cup of milk is about to get a bit pricier at the supermarket.

Our national dairy industry has been gradually shrinking over the last couple of decades. With less supply available to satiate the collective thirst of the Aussie consumer base, prices are seemingly bound to go up.

View attachment 24032

The recent increase in milk prices has been attributed to various factors, posing challenges for consumers and the dairy industry alike. Image by Alexas Fotos from pexels

Mark Billing, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president, stepped up to help us understand this increasing concern.

Over recent decades, he explains, many milk producers had to call it quits because milk wasn’t bringing home the bacon. This scarcity has made milk a bit of a hot commodity.

'Milk prices at the shelf had stayed stable for 10 or 15 years or more. Thus, the milk price at the retail level has not kept up with inflation at all.' Billing emphasised.

He painted a visibly grim picture of the milk industry by mentioning that the national milk pool was down by 5.3 per cent at the end of May 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. This means that milk is no longer as abundant as it once was.

In response to this growing milk scarcity, the cost of our dairy delights increased by a whopping 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It seems our milk is about to become even costlier, with dairy processors indicating their intentions to increase the farm gate price of milk for suppliers.

View attachment 24033

Supporting local dairy farmers helps sustain the local economy, promotes food security, and ensures the availability of fresh, high-quality dairy products while fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations. Image from shutterstock

But don't let this news curdle your spirits just yet! Our loyal Aussie dairy farmers are in sore need of some good news.

A cost increase on milk has been a long time coming, especially when you consider how the number of dairy farmers in Victoria took a deep plunge from 14,000 in the 1970s to a mere 3,000 today.

‘In the 1970s ... there were around 14,000 dairy farmers in Victoria. There’s now 3,000.’ he said.

In concrete terms, Billing confirmed, 'We're still in negative (price) territory from a dairy farmer's point of view because dairy prices didn't move for so long in relative terms. We've got to see movement at the retail level if we want to sustain a profitable dairy industry in Australia.'

The price bump isn't merely a money grab from your pockets. It's a lifeline to a struggling industry and, more specifically, to the Aussie farmers who've toiled relentlessly to ensure our families receive fresh and nutritious milk.

Key Takeaways

• The price of milk in Australia is likely to rise due to a decrease in supply from the shrinking Australian dairy industry.
• Increased production costs and weather have presented ongoing challenges for dairy farmers.
• The Australian Dairy Producers Federation reports a 5.3 per cent drop in the national milk pool compared to the same period last year. In comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded an increase in dairy product prices of 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023.

As we wrap up, let's ponder on this question: How can we support our local dairy farmers and ensure the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry while navigating potential price increases?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the actions we can take as consumers to make a positive difference and show our appreciation for the hard work of our dairy farmers.

We were dairy farmers 30 yrs ago and the price was terrible then and I'm sure they aren't much better now. We're happy to pay more. People are happy to pay crazy prices for bottled water which we can get out of the tap.

 

[gordon1940]

We were dairy farmers 30 yrs ago and the price was terrible then and I'm sure they aren't much better now. We're happy to pay more. People are happy to pay crazy prices for bottled water which we can get out of the tap.

Too bloody right!

 

[Aussie D]

It's not consumers sending dairy farmers broke. It's the greedy supermarket monopolies that won't pay the farmers a fair price, yet still make massive over the top profits on the milk they sell to consumers. Profit is one thing and necessary for businesses, but the greed of supermarkets that pay producers pittance because they have market share, is disgraceful. They don't care if milk suppliers dwindle, they will just hike up something else.
I don't know how they sleep at night, when their greedy policies have such devastating consequences for all Australians. Shame on you Coles & Woolies !

 

[Tygie]

Milk is a household staple in most Australian homes—it's what we douse our early morning wake-up brew with, the main ingredient in our creamy pasta sauces, and, let’s not forget, the indispensable partner to our beloved cereals

Simply put, it’s almost impossible for an Australian household to go a day without enjoying a glass of chilled milk or one of its many by-products.

If that description falls true for you, we're afraid we have a rather disheartening prediction for you today—your dear cup of milk is about to get a bit pricier at the supermarket.

Our national dairy industry has been gradually shrinking over the last couple of decades. With less supply available to satiate the collective thirst of the Aussie consumer base, prices are seemingly bound to go up.

View attachment 24032

The recent increase in milk prices has been attributed to various factors, posing challenges for consumers and the dairy industry alike. Image by Alexas Fotos from pexels

Mark Billing, the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria president, stepped up to help us understand this increasing concern.

Over recent decades, he explains, many milk producers had to call it quits because milk wasn’t bringing home the bacon. This scarcity has made milk a bit of a hot commodity.

'Milk prices at the shelf had stayed stable for 10 or 15 years or more. Thus, the milk price at the retail level has not kept up with inflation at all.' Billing emphasised.

He painted a visibly grim picture of the milk industry by mentioning that the national milk pool was down by 5.3 per cent at the end of May 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. This means that milk is no longer as abundant as it once was.

In response to this growing milk scarcity, the cost of our dairy delights increased by a whopping 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It seems our milk is about to become even costlier, with dairy processors indicating their intentions to increase the farm gate price of milk for suppliers.

View attachment 24033

Supporting local dairy farmers helps sustain the local economy, promotes food security, and ensures the availability of fresh, high-quality dairy products while fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations. Image from shutterstock

But don't let this news curdle your spirits just yet! Our loyal Aussie dairy farmers are in sore need of some good news.

A cost increase on milk has been a long time coming, especially when you consider how the number of dairy farmers in Victoria took a deep plunge from 14,000 in the 1970s to a mere 3,000 today.

‘In the 1970s ... there were around 14,000 dairy farmers in Victoria. There’s now 3,000.’ he said.

In concrete terms, Billing confirmed, 'We're still in negative (price) territory from a dairy farmer's point of view because dairy prices didn't move for so long in relative terms. We've got to see movement at the retail level if we want to sustain a profitable dairy industry in Australia.'

The price bump isn't merely a money grab from your pockets. It's a lifeline to a struggling industry and, more specifically, to the Aussie farmers who've toiled relentlessly to ensure our families receive fresh and nutritious milk.

Key Takeaways

• The price of milk in Australia is likely to rise due to a decrease in supply from the shrinking Australian dairy industry.
• Increased production costs and weather have presented ongoing challenges for dairy farmers.
• The Australian Dairy Producers Federation reports a 5.3 per cent drop in the national milk pool compared to the same period last year. In comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded an increase in dairy product prices of 15.1 per cent between May 2022 and May 2023.

As we wrap up, let's ponder on this question: How can we support our local dairy farmers and ensure the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry while navigating potential price increases?

Let's take a moment to reflect on the actions we can take as consumers to make a positive difference and show our appreciation for the hard work of our dairy farmers.

well if all the middlemen lowered their prices and the farmers got more and the shops weren't so greedy then there wouldn't be any reason to hike up prices so high that people can't afford it