Farmers across Scotland told to cut milk production due to an oversupply
In a story published by the BBC, we learn that dairy manufacturer Müller has ordered farmers across Scotland who supply them with milk to cut production because of an oversupply. It has written to more than 250 dairy farmers asking them to reduce output because of changing consumer habits caused by the coronavirus crisis. It has been estimated more than a million litres of unwanted milk is being produced across the UK each day.
This means some dairy product is having to be poured down the drain.
Even though demand from supermarkets has increased, that has not filled the gap left by the closure of cafes and restaurants.
Muller has asked all dairy farmers to reduce their output by 3%. It has suggested various ways this could happen such as feeding whole milk back to calves or retiring some cows from the herd early. But there is also concern about the capacity to return to full production when lockdown conditions ease.
A spokesman for Muller said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the market for milk. We are asking farmers to temporarily reduce milk production by 3%.“While supplying farmers will continue to receive their full contracted price, we hope that this collaborative approach will prevent the need for further and more serious measures.”
