Producers had been expecting a cheque on Monday, however that is to be put back to January 26 as First Milk attempts to put its own finances in order.
The move is expected to have a serious knock-on effect on cash flows for farmers, and has provoked a furious response from the National Farmers’ Union.
First Milk was understood to have been losing 1p on every litre of milk it processed, and it now hopes to raise £10 million by deferring one of its main costs.
However, NFU president Meurig Raymond said the controversial move would be a “serious burden for farmers”.
He said: “This is a wholly unacceptable announcement from First Milk, coming after last week’s announcement of a milk price cut, which I understand is partly to be reversed.”
“This announcement will be a serious burden for farmers and will be damaging to cash flow at an expensive and demanding time of year for costs.”
