DARD and five of the main banks in the north today announced a series of public meetings offering advice to dairy farmers affected by the recent fall in milk prices.
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DARD is meeting dairy farmers across the North.[/caption]
Welcoming the meetings, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill said: “We recognise that the recent fall in milk prices has had a serious impact on farmers across the North. I believe it is important that we offer whatever help and advice we can to support the industry. I am heartened by the willingness of the banking industry to join us in engaging with farmers.
“However, I would encourage farmers to plan carefully looking at herd performance, costs of production and financial repayments. If difficulties arise, please seek advice as early as possible.”
The meetings entitled ‘Finance on Dairy Farms’, will provide the opportunity to discuss a range of areas including herd management and farm cash flow as a result of low milk prices.
The events have been jointly organised between the main agricultural banks and DARD and follow on from the constructive meeting between the Minister, the Ulster Farmers’ Union and the banks before Christmas.
The focus of the meetings will be on practical ways to deal with current cash flow concerns. Regaining feed efficiency, herd fertility, cost control, debt management and efficient farm business performance in 2015 will be some of the topics covered.
Thursday 26 February 2015, Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch, Co Down.
In attendance will be W Thompson (Bank of Ireland) and I McCluggage (DARD/CAFRE).
All meetings commence at 8.00pm.]]>
