muller has announced that the milk price it pays its 700 Muller Direct farmers will be cut by 1.5p per litre (ppl) to 29ppl from January next year.

The company blamed the five per cent reduction in milk price on the 25 per cent decline in the values of commodity bulk cream and butter since September.

Rob Hutchison, Muller agriculture director said: “Substantial movement in butter and cream values is now a familiar characteristic of global dairy commodity markets.”

Market ROUND-UP

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 77 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1,265 per head and 229.4p per kg to average £867.60 and 201.8p (+4.4p on the fortnight), while 107 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1355 and 289.8p to level at £946.03 and 209.9p (+4p).

One-hundred-and-three store, B&W bullocks sold to £940 and 150.9p to average £511.07 and 132.8p (-10.9p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5,284 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £112 per head and 270p per kg to average 185p (+11.4p on the week).

The firm also had 4,848 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £164 for a Texel and averaged £76.93 (+£2.12), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £68 for Blackfaces and Cheviots to level at £37.41 (+£5.20).

Rams sold to £132 for a Texel and averaged £75.16.