eastAUSmilk Media Release…

14 April 2026

Thank you to Woolworths for lifting the milk price

The cost of diesel, fertiliser and other products has continued to rise causing major losses for dairy farmers. Dairy farmers have no choice but to cull cows and this is exactly what many dairy farmers are doing. The only way this will stop is if milk prices paid to dairy farmers’ lift.

Woolworths announced last week that they are lifting the price paid to their farmers owned suppliers in NSW and Queensland by 10c/L from the first of April.

“This is extremely welcome news, and I thank Woolworths for their understanding and assistance in the very uncertain and difficult times,” eastAUSmilk president Mr Bale said.

“I worked with Woolworths 12 years ago to set up farmers owned milk with direct suppliers around the country. I am grateful that I was able to negotiate a 10c/L lift in prices with Woolworths on behalf of my farmers in NSW and Queensland,” Mr Bale said.

“We want to see all retailers and processors follow the lead set by Woolworths in lifting prices paid to dairy farmers by 10c/L immediately. It is important for all dairy farmers to receive a price increase,” Mr Bale said.

“Woolworths has clearly set the precedent and any processors or retailers that do not follow their lead over the next week will see a plummeting of their milk supply over the coming months,” Mr Bale said.

“There is no time to wait, and I implore all processors and retailers to lift prices now before it is too late,” Mr Bale said.

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)