NORCO CO-OPERATIVE ANNOUNCES RECORD FARMGATE MILK PRICE FOR FARMERS

members.

“Within our means, Norco is constantly looking at how we can add value to our farmer members. And as Australia’s last operating dairy co-operative, we also feel we have a responsibility to think longer term about how our actions

Upcoming Sale Dates

6th backbone of this country and work 365 days a year to deliver food and essential goods to consumers. can better support the Australian dairy industry as a whole,” he says.

Australia,” he adds.

Norco dairy farmer, Andrew Wilson, who farms just outside of Lismore welcomes the increase.

“Whilst other processors are looking to reduce milk prices in the industry, it is great to see that our co-operative is continuing to support us with an overall increase for the co-operative members to help us cover the rising costs we are seeing on farm,” he says.

This positive news for Norco farmers comes off the back of a landmark study by the co-operative which found that depression and anxiety was rife among Australia’s hard-working farmers, across all farming sectors.

Even more devastating, the National Farmer Wellbeing Report1 which was conducted in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, found that close to half of Australian farmers (45%) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30%) have attempted self-harm or suicide.

“So as a country – and a cooperative - we’ve got a job to do in better supporting our farmers and ensuring they feel valued for what they do. And that starts with ensuring they get a fair days pay for a fair days work,” he says.

Hampson adds that his ultimate goal is to see farmgate milk price at $1 per litre; efforts that would help farmers invest in their farming operations to create a more sustainable future, provide value and incentive to attract new people into the industry, and to provide confdence that there is a more prosperous future for the Australian dairy industry.

“However, we do also need to consider the current economic climate and the impact on consumers, so it is important that we balance efforts to continue to add value to our farmers, with consumer affordability – but we will continue to work hard to fnd the right balance,” he says.

“And leading on milk price is just one of the ways we can help to safeguard the future of the dairy industry, for all dairy farmers in our region and across

Property Of The Week

* 776 acres approx, 42km / 38 min drive to Grafton

* Property has typically run 110 breeders

* 5 Bay shed and steel cattle yards

Michael Hampson comments that while the data from the report was incredibly confronting, what really stood out to him was the fact that more than three quarters (76%) of Australian farmers don’t believe what they do is valued by the Australian public, something that very likely has contributed to the mental health struggles many farmers are experiencing.

“Our farmers really are the