UK cheese maker Wyke Farms has announced plans to increase the price it pays farmers for milk.
The dairy group said it will raise its milk price by a further 0.75ppl from 1 November. The move follows an increase of 0.5ppl implemented in October and maintains its position as one of the highest prices paid for milk used in cheese production, Wyke said.
"Managing the winter months will be challenging with variable silage quality and increasing costs of alternative feeds. Milk production will undoubtedly suffer so we are determined to support our supplying farmers in every way we can," Wyke MD Richard Clothier commented.
Somerset based Wyke Farms offer positive news to local farmers under pressure
Wyke Farms, the UK's largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, have today announced a milk price increase of 0.75ppl to be added to their milk price, effective from 1st November 2012.
The increase from Wyke Farms is in addition to the 0.5ppl increase in October meaning an overall Autumn rise of 1.25ppl. This maintains Wyke Farms' position near the top of the league table and will be the highest milk price paid for cheese. The company is committed to helping their suppliers and will continue to review prices every month.
The continued support for farmers from Wyke Farms is in response to the challenging environment created by extreme weather over the summer months. The company, whose farming side of the business has also suffered from the effects of the extraordinary weather, has shared concerns with local farmers regarding the quality and yield of crops. The farming team at Wyke Farms is also working through these challenges on their own farms and they are asking their cheese customers to recognize the importance of the supplement.
Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms said, "Managing the winter months will be challenging with variable silage quality and increasing costs of alternative feeds. Milk production will undoubtedly suffer so we are determined to support our supplying farmers in every way we can".
"If our industry doesn't recognize this threat and work together to increase farm prices then milk will be even shorter next year. There are farmers that still do not have feed cover for the back end of winter and if we get a late spring next year our industry could be in crisis".
