WEST Dorset farmers have been making their worries about falling milk prices known to NFU president, Meurig Raymond.

The delegation met the union official at Parnham Park Farm in Netherbury.

Mr Raymond reassured those present that the NFU was doing all that it could to combat falling milk prices.

Global market volatility has seen a farm gate price drop for dairy farmers of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

Mr Raymond said the current times were ‘extremely worrying’ for farmers and called on all areas of the supply chain to ensure the pain being felt was minimal and short term.

Mr Raymond said: “As a dairy farmer myself, I know what farmers up and down the country are going through. These are extremely turbulent times. That is why it is absolutely vital that everyone in the dairy supply chain shows commitment at this time.

“Milk processors, retailers and dairy farmers must work together to minimise the impact of the current price falls on dairy farmers and look to the future by opening up new markets for milk and creating new products.”

West Dorset NFU group secretary, Paul Bennett said: “We updated the president on instances of TB in the area shutting down farms. We heard that meetings are continued to be held with the new Secretary of State for the Environment and Agricultural Minister seeking effective ways to combat the disease.

“Also raised was the success in the area of having an NVZ challenged and removed around the West Milton areas stretching from North Poorton South to Bradpole.”