Last night’s protest followed Muller Wiseman’s announcement that the price it will pay farmers for milk will drop by 1.2 pence per litre(ppl) to 25.90 ppl from January 10.
Farmers say each litre costs them to 29.7 pence per litre to produce, meaning they are selling their milk at a huge loss.
Protest group Farmers For Action (FFA) staged last night’s protest, which was attended by members and supporters from across the region.
Muller Wiseman has said the current reduction in price reflects a sustained decline in revenues generated from sales of butter and cream, commodities which are traded in global markets.
Andrew Bebb, FFA coordinator and a dairy farmer from Hanwood, said: «The fall in milk price is going to have a catastrophic effect on dairy farmers.
«We have been protesting about falling milk prices and blockading factories for 14 years. And we cannot afford to let it drop. We need to keep the pressure on. The housewife has not seen any benefit in the drop in farm gate milk price. Where is the money going?»
The dairy firm says the latest reduction results from a continuing imbalance between the supply of milk from farms and demand for dairy products, both in the UK and around the world.
FFA spokesman Paul Rowbottom said: «Muller have got to shake themselves up and do what’s right. They have dropped the market price yet again and they are big enough to lead the market. There is no place for this in the country at the moment.»
The price cut is the latest in a series the German firm has announced in the last couple of months.
In September it announced the price it will pay farmers for milk will drop by 1.9ppl to 27.1ppl from November.
In August it announced its price from October would drop by 1.8ppl to 29ppl.
Rob Harrison, National Farmers Union dairy board chairman, said: “The global market situation remains difficult, but there are things we can do to improve the situation although we need the Government, UK processors, retailers and everybody to support our farmers in ensuring a long-term sustainable future for domestic milk production.
“In Brussels we’re continuing to lobby at all levels for better tools to support our farmers such as intervention and Private Storage Aid.
“Here in the UK we’re in regular contact with the banks to raise concerns and I urge all dairy farmers to do the same.
“We will continue to push the retailers to stock more quality British dairy products including butter and yoghurts.
“We need to make sure our farmers, whatever system they operate and whoever they supply, get through this difficult time and have the chance to be part of the thriving UK dairy industry that we all strive towards.”
Speaking yesterday Martin Armstrong, head of group milk supply for Muller UK & Ireland Group, said: «Muller continues to make strong progress in the UK and is investing heavily to develop demand for British milk in the dairy categories which it serves.»
FFA is unhappy that the German firm has recently agreed an £80 million deal for the dairy operations of Dairy Crest, subject to approval from the competition authorities, which will see 700 farmers move their supplies to Muller, while remaining on the contracts agreed with Dairy Crest.
About 100 farmers blockaded Muller Wiseman last month where they made it difficult for lorries to enter or leave the dairy, as drivers were forced to turn away.
It follows a similar protest outside the dairy in October, which attracted about 500 people.
Muller Wiseman has said the current reduction in price reflects a sustained decline in revenues generated from sales of butter and cream, commodities which are traded in global markets.
Rob Darlington, 32, from Marbury, near Whitchurch, said: «My partner and I only started our dairy farm three years ago and we have only just got it going. Now Muller have dropped the milk price again I’ts over £1,000 a month gone for us.
I have taken part in protests three or four times and I am going to keep coming back until we have some resolution.»
Callum Griffiths, 18, a relief milker, had travelled to the protest with three friends.
He said: «The main reason I am here is that the price drop will affect jobs. Each time the price of milk is slashed wages drop.»
William Leason, 66, has a 350 head dairy herd, said: «This is financially disastrous. There are people that will not be able to sustain this for weeks and months. We cannot produce a product and then be expected to sell it for a loss. It’s completely unsustainable.
«Yesterday’s news of a further price cut was devastating. I have 350 cattle in my herd and this latest cut will be a huge blow financially for us. I will keep coming to these protests even if it only makes Muller feel uncomfortable about what they are doing. It is immoral.»
Lorries were turning up to the factory and having to queue because they could not get in. There were tractors blocking the site.
Tom Houghton, FFA spokesman, said he was very pleased with how the demonstration had progressed.
«It’s all gone very smoothly and I’m, pleased with the turnout,» he said.
