Dairy Farm Monitor Project doesn't surprise farmers

Earnings before interest and tax reduced from $185,000 to $24,000 across the same period.

The report also revealed these were the lowest figures recorded in the project’s 13-year history.

Mr Wheeler said the reason people were leaving the industry came down to profitability.

“People have reduced their herds,” he said.

“We’ve reduced our cattle numbers. It all comes down to all your costs.

“That’s why people are bailing out.

“You have to make profit. We’re not here for our looks.

“It used to be a lifestyle and now farming is profit-driven.”

Despite a six per cent increase to the milk price compared to the previous year, Mr Leahy said high costs meant farmers were not seeing the full benefit.

“High feed costs and below-average milk prices and if you had to buy water (are why net income has reduced).

“All these expenses eat their way through your profitability.”