Milk price issues

‘Farmers and Retailers at Loggerheads’ read the headlines in a local newspaper of April 1924 - has anything changed!

Dairy farmers and milk producers are reported to be at loggerheads regarding the scale of prices to be introduced for winter supplies.

The dispute has been refereed to the sub-committee of the permanent joint milk committee which represents the National Farmers Union and the Dairymen’s Federation which, by controlling the London charges, regulates the wholesale and retail costs throughout the country.

The parent body met on Monday night and re-appointed the sub-committee because the original committee had failed to agree.

THE PRODUCERS CASE

A powerful section of the producers is contending for an increase of the 1/6 half per gallon allowed them for the six months of last winter and the remainder insist that this rate at least should be maintained for 1924-25.

In consequence of it the retail prices were fixed last year at 7d. per quart for the months of October, November and March and 8d. per quart for December, January and February.

The present summer retail price in London is 6d. per quart, the farmer receiving 1s. per gallon.

DISTRIBUTORS DEMAND

Distributors are unanimous in a demand for a reduction of not less that 2d. per gallon in the inter-price to the farmers, which would permit all milk to be retailed in the six months from October to March at a uniform charge of 7d. per quart.

It is argued by the producers that the raising of the wholesale and consequently the retail price above the 1923-24 level is essential because of the substantial advance in the cost of feeding stuffs and, particularly because the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, the county wages committee under which will begin to function on a date coincident with the commencement of the new milk contract year.

FARMERS ON EFFECT OF CATTLE DISEASE

Another point made by the farmers is that those whose milk-cow herds were destroyed under the foot and mouth disease provisions sustained considerable financial loss because compensation was paid only on deadweight basis and not on real or potential values.

The reply of the distributors is that an increase, or even the re-introduction of the 8d. per quart, would provoke such a public outcry that there would be danger of the threat of boycott made last year being now carried out.

When prices rose last winter, the demand for milk diminished by four per cent, chiefly in the poor and industrial districts, and the extra surplus had to be disposed of to the creameries for cheese and butter manufacture, generally for an unremunerative return.

MORE MILK ABOUT

In the past two years, the distributors also point out, the consumption of milk has declined considerably, while supplies have increased by the fact that there were 97,000 more milk cows in 1923 in England, and a further 50,000 this year.

These figures were compiled up to the beginning of this month, since when there has been no slaughtering of cows on account of foot and mouth disease.

The retailers hold that generally sufficient profit would be guaranteed to the farmers if they agreed to the reduction, allowing even for higher costs of production and the fact that the wholesale price given them 2d per gallon has to be deducted for carriage.”

Farmers care

Marching in cities across the United States, members of the American NFU joined the world’s first-ever March for Science, emphasising the vital role that science should play in everyday life and in policymaking.

Union president Roger Johnson commented: “Farmers are acutely aware of the important roles that science and science-based policies play in the success of US family farm operations.

“By joining in the March for Science movement, we hope to highlight the need for life sciences research, science-informed policy, and effective communication of the latest advancements in science and technology.

“Unfortunately, too many people too often decide which policy they prefer, and then look to science to back it up. Sometimes this is even true for government officials - our leaders should first be informed by science and facts, and then implement policies that address real issues and provide real solutions.”

Johnson also highlighted a growing disparity between the amount of money we as a nation devote to agricultural research, and the amount that other industrialised nations and corporations spend.

Livestock producer Michael Kovach speaking at a march in western Pennsylvania urged consumers to consider the impacts of climate change on the food system, as well as the impact of the food system on the climate.

“Climate change poses a very real threat to the way farmers raise their animals and grow their crops,” said Kovach. “And based on very sound science, we can expect these effects to intensify. The good news is that farmers care for the environment and can make a big difference by practicing climate-smart agricultural practices.”

How true?

Looking through its books, a local charity realised that it had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer so a volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office.

The volunteer opened the meeting by saying: “Our research shows that even though your annual income is over £2 million, you don’t give a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to give something back to your community?”

The lawyer thinks for a minute and says: “First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long painful illness, and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?”

Embarrassed, the rep mumbles: “Uh... No, I didn’t know that.”

“Secondly,” says the lawyer, “did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?”

The stricken rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again.

“Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister’s husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another who has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?”

The humiliated rep, completely beaten, says: “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

And the lawyer says: “So, if I didn’t give any money to them, what makes you think I’d give any to you?”

May - spring has come!

Growing up in Los Angeles, I never quite understood why spring was called spring. But I remember after my first east coast winter 10 years ago, shortly after walking outside, I looked down and saw plants that were shooting up several inches, where the day before there had been nothing but cold dirt. New life was literally springing up from the ground.

I was instantly excited and inspired. Winter has become a great time to hunker down and get things prepared for the spring to come. But now the sun is out, the birds are singing, and it’s time to launch exciting things.

(Contributed)