eastAUSmilk Media Release…

08 April 2026

Milk shortages inevitable unless farm prices go up

The cost of diesel and fertiliser has continued to rise and major shortages occur especially for fertiliser. Also, the cost of most other inputs is increasing as hefty fuel surcharges are added to most products.

Dairy farmers have already begun to reduce milk production given they cannot absorb the massive increase in costs and still be profitable.

“Dairy farmers need a price increase immediately before milk production plummets,” said Mr Bale, president eastAUSmilk.

“Dairy farmers cannot afford to sit back and hope that things improve. Many have already made the difficult decision to sell good dairy cows to fund the extra costs for fertiliser, fuel and other products,” said Mr Bale.

“Milk prices paid to dairy farmers must increase by around 15c/L in the coming weeks just to cover the increase in costs that dairy farmers are facing. If not, production will fall significantly over the coming months,” said Mr Bale.

“We want to see milk processors and retailers also receive extra payments to cover their increased costs over the past few months. As a result, milk on shelf for all brands need to increase by at least 30c/L,” said Mr Bale.

“Food security has been talked about for years with dairy and seafood identified by government as the 2 most at-risk industries,” said Mr Bale,

“Right now, a milk shortage is almost guaranteed if milk prices paid to farmers do not go up now to reflect the massive increase in costs,” said Mr Bale.

Tim Bale, President eastAUSmilk & NSW dairy farmer (0427 535 511)

Waylon Barron, Vice-President eastAUSmilk & Qld dairy farmer (0417 961 266)

Joe Bradley, Director eastAUSmilk & Qld dairy farmer (0400 642 063)