If you’ve noticed milk costs creeping up at the store lately, it’s not just your imagination. Farmgate prices, the amount farmers earn for milk straight from the farm, have increased, reflecting the real challenges dairy farmers face today.
- Rising Costs for Dairy Farmers
Australian dairy farmers are dealing with higher expenses across the board. Feed costs, energy bills, and transport expenses have all risen in recent years, making everyday operations more expensive. Unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, add further complexity, impacting milk production and quality.
These challenges directly affect farmgate prices, which trickle through the supply chain to retail shelves. Even a small rise at the checkout reflects significant effort and investment on the farm. It’s a reminder of how interconnected the food system is, and how much work goes into the milk in your fridge.
- Supporting Local Milk
At Office Fruit Group, we’re proud to support local dairy farmers by supplying Procal milk to workplaces across Melbourne and Sydney. Choosing local milk has multiple benefits: it ensures your team enjoys fresh, high-quality dairy, supports sustainable farming practices, and keeps money within local communities.
By prioritising local suppliers, we help small-scale farmers thrive despite rising costs, while reducing the environmental impact of transporting milk over long distances. Local milk isn’t just better for the environment, it’s also fresher and often more nutritious.
- From Cow to Cup
Understanding farmgate prices gives us insight into the journey of milk, from cow to cup. Every glass of milk, latte, or smoothie represents the effort of farmers who manage herds, maintain equipment, and adapt to changing conditions while ensuring consistent quality.
Supporting local dairy also helps build a more resilient food system. When farmers receive fair compensation, they can invest in their farms, adopt sustainable practices, and continue providing reliable, high-quality milk for communities.
Next time you pour your morning milk, remember that a small increase at the counter helps local farmers continue producing the milk we all rely on every day. Supporting local dairy means supporting quality, sustainability, and the people behind the product. It’s a simple choice that benefits your team, the environment, and the wider community.