When dairy farmers struggle, so do their communities

Woolworths decision to lift milk prices is a rare step in the right direction for dairy farmers, says Murray Polson. But there’s still a long way to go to get farmers back on their feet.

Dairy Farmers Jane and Murray Polson with their children Ruby, Lachlan and Isabelle on their property at Oxley Island on the NSW mid north coast. Picture: Nathan Edwards

• Aussie dairy farmers getting milked for all they’re worth
• Woolworths increases milk prices but Coles holds out

Murray Polson and his wife Jane live on their farm in Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW with their three kids Ruby, 10, Lochie, 8, and Isabella, 5 (pictured above).

The family-run dairy farming operation — which sees them milking about 300 cows — welcomed the decision by Woolworths to increase the milk price but say they won’t benefit because they supply to Coles.

“It was something positive that Woolies did which is a rare step in the right direction … an increase of 10 cents means a fair bit but it still has a long way to get farmers back on their feet,” Murray said.

“There needs to be a change within the whole system and I’m not surprised Coles didn’t follow because they have never been a leader, they’re just followers.”

Murray said Coles only make changes “once they’re forced or pressured” and said the money they raised for farmers in the drought recently only reached them in January but “it could’ve ended up anywhere” because it was spread out.

“They’re (Coles) good at making smoke and mirrors. The drought, whether you’re in Taree or South Australia, has affected everyone and increased our prices to be able to produce milk,” Murray said.

Many farmers say the government must be tougher on importing dairy products from overseas so struggling Australian farmers can stay afloat.

Murray who bought the farm with his wife from his parents 18 months ago said the Australian Government needs to be stricter with the importing laws and help Aussie farmers first before overseas importers.

“It’s frustrating with the free trade agreement where companies are importing cheese and yoghurt from another country. There should be a tariff on those products so as to look after the local farmers before they choose overseas,” Murray said. “I urge the public to keep supporting branded products because supermarkets are just taking money.”

He said the rural towns are also being hit because when dairy farmers aren’t “making enough money” the “whole town struggles”.

“Because the farmers aren’t making enough money, they can’t then spend it in town from the tractor place to the coffee shop and that’s the most frustrating thing,” Murray said.

‘When Aussies pay for the milk they basically pay for the farmers to keep running and help us be able to bring wealth back into the community.”

And Murray, despite being a fifth-generation on the farm, says he’s not sure what the future will hold anymore.

“My son might have a chance on the farm if more is done. But I’ve been positive with everything especially with the recent rise and fall,” Murray said.

“But it’s the past five years that’s left the strongest people not feeling quite sure what the future holds.”