Many processors are also seeking more milk supply for the coming season.
The prices have been largely condemned by dairy farmers and farming groups.
- Australian Consolidated Milk (ACM): $8.85/kg MS (quickly increased to $9).
- Australian Dairy Farmers Corporation (ADFC): $9.
- Alba Cheese: $9.08.
- Bega: $8.70-$9.20.
- Bulla: $8.40-$9.20.
- Fonterra: $8.60.
- Frestine: $8.88.
- Goulburn Valley Creamery: $9.
- Kyvalley Dairy: $8.90-$9.10.
- Lactalis: $9-$9.20.
- Norco: $4.90-$7.20 (plus base price).
- Saputo: $8.80-$8.95.
- SW Dairy Ltd (SWDL): $8.80.
- Union Dairy Company (UDC): $8.70.
Saputo Dairy Australia’s milk supply and planning director Kate Ryan said SDA’s opening milk price of $8.80 to $8.95/kg MS reflected the stabilisation of global commodity prices, offset by sustained domestic market challenges as consumers remain cost sensitive due to cost-of-living pressures.
“While we are optimistic there are long-term opportunities ahead, we are mindful of prevailing headwinds,” she said.
“As the 2025-26 milk year is only just beginning, we will review our farm gate milk prices during the season and pass on step-ups where it is supported by greater certainty across key markets and product categories.”
NSW Farmers says the new prices will fail to cover the cost of production for many dairy farmers in the state.
NSW processors have announced opening milk prices ranging from $12.30/kg MS in the north of the state to $9/kg MS in southern NSW.
NSW Farmers Dairy Committee chair Mal Holm said while these prices would have delivered reasonable returns in seasons past, record floods and skyrocketing input costs meant prices would ultimately fail to keep many farmers in business this year.
“The cost of producing milk is only going up, while milk prices remain down, and proper disaster assistance is still nowhere in sight,” Mr Holm said.
“It’s forcing family farmers out the door after generations in the game, and it’s time we stood up and said we need stronger prices for a stronger industry.
“Australian dairy farmers have delivered families milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt and ice-cream for decades — it’s a proud tradition and an important part of our food supply.
“Dairying is a tough job — now, more so than ever — and while the supermarkets are pushing their profits up, they’re not interested in delivering returns to the farmers that work so hard to produce this great product.
“Milk prices must provide reasonable returns to dairy farmers, so we don’t lose our local milk production to cheap imports.
“Aussie families deserve Aussie dairy, and nothing less than that.”
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