Gwyn Jones' Farm Diary December 15

On the farm we are gearing up for Christmas, sorting out the work rota, days off and so on. All deliveries need to be planned to cover the days not worked by certain companies and haulage contractors. Food, bedding, straw, and minerals are needed for the cows, chemicals and sundry items for the dairy and parlour, more food for the calves and young heifers.

Fuel is always a difficult one at Christmas, with deliveries booked up as houses need heating, and everyone books an early or extra load just in case.

We are under pressure in the dairy industry again, with Arla Foods posting its results to the city recently, pointing out that it would need more money to cover increased costs in plastics and fuel as a result of higher oil prices.

Processors are attempting to get more money from retailers, but also make it very clear that lower milk prices will also be needed in order to maintain margins.

Gwyn Jones's Farm Diary appears every week in the West Sussex Gazette. To read the full version of this article, see December 15 issue