Following further meetings this week, the farmer-owned co-operative First Milk has confirmed the recent announcement that Tesco will be paying its Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group base price to more farmers supplying milk for its cheese.
This move by Tesco on the cheese they purchase from Haverfordwest creamery in West Wales will directly benefit the farmers who supply the site. They will now receive a Tesco winter supplement relating to the period 31 August through to the end of February 2016, that is understood to be worth about 2p per litre. The Tesco winter supplement will be itemised separately on the Haverfordwest suppliers' monthly milk statements.
Mike Gallacher, First Milk's CEO said: "Tesco has a strong track record in supporting British dairy farmers and we warmly welcome this move on cheese. It allows us to directly pass on the benefits to First Milk farmers who supply the milk that produces Tesco's cheese."
However, the move was slammed by NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie who pointed out that the decision by First Milk to pass the Tesco money exclusively to farmers who supply milk to the Haverfordwest Creamery will not benefit Scottish farmers.
Mr Bowie said: "Scottish members of the First Milk co-operative have contributed toward investments made at the Haverfordwest plant in recent years and it is unjustified that they will receive no reward in return for this. NFU Scotland has stressed to First Milk that the business must act in a way that benefits its members in Scotland as well as across the UK."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 501 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 252.5p per kg and an average of 213.7p (-1p on the week), while 651 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 267.7p and levelled at 220.4p (-3.1p). Seventy-one store, B&W bullocks sold to 146.9p and averaged 141.7p (-0.7p).
In the rough ring 99 beef cows averaged 123.6p and 17 dairy cows levelled at 91.3p.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 12prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 223.5p and an average of 208.8p.
There were 75 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 126.9p and dairy cows levelled at 90.3p.
The firm also sold 1585 prime lambs to a top of £80 per head and 189p per kg to average 149.8p (+4.3p).
The 961 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £85.50m for a Texel and average £58.44 (-£3.08), while light ewes peaked at £74.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £40.83 (+£3.26).
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