Following news of major supermarkets failing to replenish their stock due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Australia’s supply chain crisis continues, now affecting supplies of milk and dairy.

Milk processing facilities across the country have warned Aussies to brace for a major shortage in dairy products as many key staff, including truck drivers, are being forced to isolate.

Australians are being warned to prepare for a possible milk shortage in supermarkets. Credit: MEGA.​

Grant Crothers, president of the Australian Dairy Products Federation, said: “We’ve obviously got an extremely time-sensitive raw material that relies on an excellent supply chain to get it to the processing point.”

“Farmers milk their cows seven days a week, and they can’t store milk in a vat on their farm if the tanker doesn’t come to pick it up,” he added.

“You can leave a cow in a paddock, you can leave grain in a silo, but you can’t leave milk in a vat on a farm.”

“Supply could deteriorate any time; it’s a factory-by-factory, shift-by-shift scenario.”

It is reported that only a few dairy farmers have enough storage in their farms to safely store a day-and-a-half worth of milk production. Any longer than that and they would have to risk dumping the milk, which could trigger a whole lot of other issues such as contamination of the waterways.

Shelves are empty as major supermarkets experience shortages of milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. Credit: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock.​

Thousands of workers are already reported to be isolating after close contact with infected individuals, which caused major disruption to supply chains of several essential industries.

The ongoing countrywide supply issues have already pushed some major food retailers, such as Coles, to enforce product limits on certain grocery items.

On Monday, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) released preliminary advice which eased restrictions for workers in food and grocery supply.

Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) chief executive, Patrick Hutchinson, said: “We welcome the national cabinet’s endorsement today of the medical expert panel’s new set of arrangements, which allows workers who are close contacts to return to work if they have no symptoms and are fully vaccinated.”

Experts are also looking to expand the advice to other essential industries as well, such as the medical supply, aviation, and education sector.

Changes to AHPPC’s preliminary advice were consulted in a meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday.

Among the changes discussed is the assurance of a COVID-19 booster shot for essential services workers and regular rapid testings.

 

[Dot]

Oh well, better get some powdered milk before it is also not available........not the best substitute but anything in a storm or a pandemic.

 

[Ricci]

I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get a couple of litres of long life milk to help out should I not be able to get fresh milk. I'm not after cornering the market or panic buying but just wanting to have enough for a week or so backup.

 

[David57]

Well, so who owns dairy farmers these days? not an Aussie company. That is what happens when milk supplies are forced out of the market by companies who are telling them what your supply price is?

 

[Diane D]

No crying over spilt milk - Aussies are warned to stock up in preparation for a nationwide dairy crisis​

Following news of major supermarkets failing to replenish their stock due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Australia’s supply chain crisis continues, now affecting supplies of milk and dairy.

Milk processing facilities across the country have warned Aussies to brace for a major shortage in dairy products as many key staff, including truck drivers, are being forced to isolate.

Australians are being warned to prepare for a possible milk shortage in supermarkets. Credit: MEGA.​

Grant Crothers, president of the Australian Dairy Products Federation, said: “We’ve obviously got an extremely time-sensitive raw material that relies on an excellent supply chain to get it to the processing point.”

“Farmers milk their cows seven days a week, and they can’t store milk in a vat on their farm if the tanker doesn’t come to pick it up,” he added.

“You can leave a cow in a paddock, you can leave grain in a silo, but you can’t leave milk in a vat on a farm.”

“Supply could deteriorate any time; it’s a factory-by-factory, shift-by-shift scenario.”

It is reported that only a few dairy farmers have enough storage in their farms to safely store a day-and-a-half worth of milk production. Any longer than that and they would have to risk dumping the milk, which could trigger a whole lot of other issues such as contamination of the waterways.

Shelves are empty as major supermarkets experience shortages of milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. Credit: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock.​

Thousands of workers are already reported to be isolating after close contact with infected individuals, which caused major disruption to supply chains of several essential industries.

The ongoing countrywide supply issues have already pushed some major food retailers, such as Coles, to enforce product limits on certain grocery items.

On Monday, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) released preliminary advice which eased restrictions for workers in food and grocery supply.

Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) chief executive, Patrick Hutchinson, said: “We welcome the national cabinet’s endorsement today of the medical expert panel’s new set of arrangements, which allows workers who are close contacts to return to work if they have no symptoms and are fully vaccinated.”

Experts are also looking to expand the advice to other essential industries as well, such as the medical supply, aviation, and education sector.

Changes to AHPPC’s preliminary advice were consulted in a meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday.

Among the changes discussed is the assurance of a COVID-19 booster shot for essential services workers and regular rapid testings.

Shame shame shame on all levels of government and it doesn't matter, both the government and the opposition are letting hard working Aussies down...our politicians should at every level feel so ashamed...I used to think I lived in the 'Lucky Country'...but now I guess I am living in a country that is about to be a 3rd world nation with a failing economy and failing health care system

 

[gollywog]

Shame shame shame on all levels of government and it doesn't matter, both the government and the opposition are letting hard working Aussies down...our politicians should at every level feel so ashamed...I used to think I lived in the 'Lucky Country'...but now I guess I am living in a country that is about to be a 3rd world nation with a failing economy and failing health care system

I'm with you Diane!!

 

[Bronnie]

I understand that all the panic buyers out there don't want to be left without a pantry full of goods "JUST IN CASE". But i do object to those shoppers who just grab anything without really looking at what the product is and if they would actually use it. I am referring in particular to Lactose free Milk. Everyone can drink it but people with a Lactose intolerance can not drink normal milk. So to you hoarders out there, HANDS OFF OUR MILK!

 

[Ricci]

I understand that all the panic buyers out there don't want to be left without a pantry full of goods "JUST IN CASE". But i do object to those shoppers who just grab anything without really looking at what the product is and if they would actually use it. I am referring in particular to Lactose free Milk. Everyone can drink it but people with a Lactose intolerance can not drink normal milk. So to you hoarders out there, HANDS OFF OUR MILK!

I'm just after plain old hi-lo or light milk, not after cornering the market either. I understand about specialist milk as my son in law is lactose intolerant, and he's finding it difficult to get in Melbourne.

 

[Ronloby]

I bet the Chinese Mums are not concerned about the lack of supply of Milk Formula from Aussie farmers.

 

[martho1gold]

Will probably have to get used to the taste of black tea and coffee

 

[Goodbloke]

Sadly, a lot of media hype leads the sheeple to panic buy. The media say "shortage" one day, then next day, say people are "panic buying" when if they reduced the hype most of us would just do our normal shopping and there would be plenty for all. Media have a lot to answer for in all these "panic" situations. It gets there product sold.....the old story " never a good story made a paper sell " now a days its digital so they are chasing views and likes and shares. Media and Politicians, bedmates and mostly just robbers of the public purse.

 

[Liz]

I understand that all the panic buyers out there don't want to be left without a pantry full of goods "JUST IN CASE". But i do object to those shoppers who just grab anything without really looking at what the product is and if they would actually use it. I am referring in particular to Lactose free Milk. Everyone can drink it but people with a Lactose intolerance can not drink normal milk. So to you hoarders out there, HANDS OFF OUR MILK!

Bonnie totally agree with you as I am lactose intolerant. Ah Well just have my wheeties with water, I hope.

 

[Liz]

Sadly, a lot of media hype leads the sheeple to panic buy. The media say "shortage" one day, then next day, say people are "panic buying" when if they reduced the hype most of us would just do our normal shopping and there would be plenty for all. Media have a lot to answer for in all these "panic" situations. It gets there product sold.....the old story " never a good story made a paper sell " now a days its digital so they are chasing views and likes and shares. Media and Politicians, bedmates and mostly just robbers of the public purse.

Agreed Goodbloke, Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story,. I had a deliver from Woolies yesterday just a few items and everything was there, including 2 cartons of longlife soy milk, that will see me through.

 

[Superfrog]

No crying over spilt milk - Aussies are warned to stock up in preparation for a nationwide dairy crisis​

Following news of major supermarkets failing to replenish their stock due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Australia’s supply chain crisis continues, now affecting supplies of milk and dairy.

Milk processing facilities across the country have warned Aussies to brace for a major shortage in dairy products as many key staff, including truck drivers, are being forced to isolate.

Australians are being warned to prepare for a possible milk shortage in supermarkets. Credit: MEGA.​

Grant Crothers, president of the Australian Dairy Products Federation, said: “We’ve obviously got an extremely time-sensitive raw material that relies on an excellent supply chain to get it to the processing point.”

“Farmers milk their cows seven days a week, and they can’t store milk in a vat on their farm if the tanker doesn’t come to pick it up,” he added.

“You can leave a cow in a paddock, you can leave grain in a silo, but you can’t leave milk in a vat on a farm.”

“Supply could deteriorate any time; it’s a factory-by-factory, shift-by-shift scenario.”

It is reported that only a few dairy farmers have enough storage in their farms to safely store a day-and-a-half worth of milk production. Any longer than that and they would have to risk dumping the milk, which could trigger a whole lot of other issues such as contamination of the waterways.

Shelves are empty as major supermarkets experience shortages of milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. Credit: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock.​

Thousands of workers are already reported to be isolating after close contact with infected individuals, which caused major disruption to supply chains of several essential industries.

The ongoing countrywide supply issues have already pushed some major food retailers, such as Coles, to enforce product limits on certain grocery items.

On Monday, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) released preliminary advice which eased restrictions for workers in food and grocery supply.

Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) chief executive, Patrick Hutchinson, said: “We welcome the national cabinet’s endorsement today of the medical expert panel’s new set of arrangements, which allows workers who are close contacts to return to work if they have no symptoms and are fully vaccinated.”

Experts are also looking to expand the advice to other essential industries as well, such as the medical supply, aviation, and education sector.

Changes to AHPPC’s preliminary advice were consulted in a meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday.

Among the changes discussed is the assurance of a COVID-19 booster shot for essential services workers and regular rapid testings.

Might be back to the Alice Springs days of the 70's when the Ghan track was flooded, even when it wasn't the milk didn't have much date. We used to drink mainly powered milk. BUT there was no panic buying of it up there, I suppose we will all just have to stay tuned or find an udder altrnative anf mooove along

 

[Petra]

Plenty of milk & meat here in Warrnambool VIC ♥ oh ... and toiletpaper

 

[Ricci]

Plenty of milk & meat here in Warrnambool VIC ♥ oh ... and toiletpaper

Shouldn't say that out loud or the locusts will swarm down your way!!

 

[Superfrog]

Might be back to the Alice Springs days of the 70's when the Ghan track was flooded, even when it wasn't the milk didn't have much date. We used to drink mainly powered milk. BUT there was no panic buying of it up there, I suppose we will all just have to stay tuned or find an udder alternative and mooove along

 

[Superfrog]

Sadly, a lot of media hype leads the sheeple to panic buy. The media say "shortage" one day, then next day, say people are "panic buying" when if they reduced the hype most of us would just do our normal shopping and there would be plenty for all. Media have a lot to answer for in all these "panic" situations. It gets there product sold.....the old story " never a good story made a paper sell " now a days its digital so they are chasing views and likes and shares. Media and Politicians, bedmates and mostly just robbers of the public purse.

you guys are just about spot on

 

[Danielsmum]

I bet the Chinese Mums are not concerned about the lack of supply of Milk Formula from Aussie farmers.

We are all in the same boat when it comes to supplies, excepting for our government of course. Scott Morrison and the LNP are responsible for the hardship of the past few years. Make sure they never win an election again.

 

[Carolyn D]

Living out of town and only shopping every three weeks, we have been unable to purchase Long Life milk the last couple of visits.