27 October 2010
Murray Goulburn Co-Operative (MGC) announces a step-up in farmgate milk price for 2010/11
and
maintains end of year forecast
Australias farmer-owned dairy company -
Murray Goulburn today advised the co-operatives dairy farmer /
shareholders of an increase in the farmgate milk price.
In his statement to suppliers Managing Director Mr Stephen ORourke advised of a price increase of $0.25/kg protein
and $0.10/kg butterfat for milk supplied across the 2010/11 season. This takes the average weighted farmgate price
to approximately $4.92 per kilogram of milk solids up from the $4.75 opening price.
Mr ORourke also advised that the Co-operatives forecast final milk price had been maintained at a range of $5.30 to
$5.50 per kilogram of milk solids.
World market prices have held reasonably firm during the first quarter of the season and expectation is that the
market should continue to remain solid. However the major area for concern is the strengthening AUD which some
economists suggest may continue to appreciate through $1.10¢ while others say it is overvalued, Mr ORourke said.
Milk intake has suffered during September and October due to the extremely wet conditions prevailing across all
supply regions however we anticipate production improving as the year progresses.
Mr ORourke said that the relatively wet winter and early spring has led to a very strong spring growth and a very
positive outlook for the harvesting of fodder.
Dairy farmers are now harvesting silage and hay and with replenished water catchments the outlook for feed inputs
in the medium term is relatively good for dairy farmers.
Ends
Established in 1950, MGC is Australias 100% farmer-owned dairy company. Processing 34.5% of the nations milk, MGC is
Australias largest exporter of dairy foods. MGCs flagship Devondale brand is sold nationally and is a market leader in key
categories.
MGC Contact:
Robert Poole
General Manager Industry and Government Affairs
Tel: 03 9385 6747
Mob: 0408 057 073