Brett and Sue McGinn have been running their dairy farm on Belmore River for the past 15 years and like many Macleay dairy farmers, they supply Norco.
Ms McGinn said the price rise will directly benefit local dairy farmers.
“The emotional boost to dairy farmers affected by drought and rising feed costs can not be underestimated with this price rise,” Ms McGinn said.
“Macleay dairy farmers who supply Norco will benefit from the farm gate milk price increase of 6.5 cents per litre,” she said.
This announcement from Norco comes after supermarkets Coles and Aldi announced a price rise of 10 cents per litre for their home brand milk on March 20, which will also benefit Macleay dairy farmers.
“It’s a positive move for dairy farmers that Coles have increased their home brand milk by 10 cents per litre. Macleay Valley farmers who supply Norco have the Coles contract so there is a direct benefit to us,” Ms McGinn said.
“The recognition by Coles that $1 litre milk was hurting the industry is a breakthrough that can’t be underestimated. Milk is a nutritious food that is expensive to produce.
“The increase is welcomed by farmers especially at this time of high input prices due to the prolonged drought.”