SOME of the UK's biggest milk buyers are rumoured to be considering price reductions of at least 1.5p per litre (ppl) from August 1, following cuts of around 2ppl by a number of processors in May and June.

At the time of going to press, Robert Wiseman Dairies was still in discussions with the Wiseman Milk Partnership board, who represent dairy producers supplying the company.

A spokesman from Wiseman told the Herald: "Until these discussions conclude, there will be no comment from Robert Wiseman Dairies in relation to farm-gate milk pricing issues."

A spokesman for NFU Scotland said: "If one processor chooses to cut, it opens the door to other processors to follow suit and could condemn a significant number of dairy farmers to a summer milk price that fundamentally undermines the viability of their business."

AS expected, ministers have agreed to create a new Scottish body for food safety, food standards, nutrition, food labelling and meat inspection. The new body will be at arm's length from the Scottish Government.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I welcome the decision to transfer operational control of meat inspection delivery to the Food Standards Agency in Scotland as soon as possible, which we hope will deliver a more cost-effective service and further enhance our strong reputation for quality and hygiene."

WALLETS Marts sold 911 prime lambs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £92.50 per head and 226.3p per kg to average 202.9p. There were also 243 cast sheep that sold to £110 for a Texel ram, while ewes peaked at £76 for Crossbreds and £69 for Blackfaces.

Craig Wilson sold 13 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 229p per kg and an average of 209.3p, while nine prime bullocks peaked at 238p and levelled at 209.4p. Six young bulls averaged 180p.

In the rough ring, 100 beef cows averaged 154.7p, while 99 dairy cows levelled at 118.9p. Seven bulls averaged 149.2p.

A small show of eight dairy cattle was topped by a Holstein heifer at £1980.

The firm went on to sell 601 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £97 and 217.5p to average 197p. There were also 169 cast sheep forward that was topped by a Suffolk ram at £150, while ewes sold to £97 for a Texel.

The Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers' Mart had 23 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when bullocks averaged 202.7p, while heifers levelled at 203.3p. Ten young bulls averaged 147.7p. The 45 OTM cattle through the rough ring saw beef cows average 151p, while dairy cows levelled at 110p.

In the sheep ring, some 552 prime lambs sold to £96 and 218p to average 196p. There were also 192 cast sheep forward, with heavy ewes selling to £113.50 for Suffolks and averaging £87.50, while light ewes peaked at £77 for Blackfaces and levelled at £69.50.