The largest dairy processors in Australia have yet to reveal their opening farmgate price for milk solids in 2016/17.

Murray Goulburn and Fonterra remain tight-lipped despite smaller competitors having announced their prices earlier in June.

Fears of further cuts to the low closing price of $4.75 have unsettled farmers already operating at a loss.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Adam Jenkins said suppliers were predicting an announcement to by made within a matter of hours-to-days.

“We call this ‘cat and mouse week’,” he said. "The others will have to pitch in soon and before July 1.”

A Murray Goulburn spokesperson said its announcement would be “in line with usual practices” and released before July.

A Fonterra spokesperson said it was working as quickly as it could towards finalising and announcing its price for suppliers.

Mr Jenkins said in light of the current economic climate, the announced prices were better than expected.

“It’s great to see fives instead of fours,” he said. 

He said even though a global turnaround for the dairy industry was unlikely until the next calendar year, it was still a positive step. 

“Hopefully we are seeing the start to the market recovery,” he said. 

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter was first to open its farmgate price at $4.80/kg earlier in June.

The Allansford processor announced the 14 per cent cut after holding its $5.60/kg milk solid price for the 2015/16 season. 

Australian Consolidated Milk was next to drop its opening price to $5.30/kg after holding at $5.90/kg.

An 11 per cent cut was announced by Bega Cheese on Tuesday, June 21, with an opening price of $5/kg.

The smaller processors provided statements that explained how their prices were influenced by the global market which had seen a steep decline. 

Bega Cheese executive chairman Barry Irvin said their Farmgate milk prices were driven by the lower global market prices.

“These are difficult times in terms of farm gate milk prices,” he said. 

In response to the predicted hardships across the next 12 months, the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance is now available to those struggling financially.

Farmers who qualify will receive a fortnightly allowance of $952.80 per fortnight for a couple.

In what will be a sobering year, dairy farmers are encouraged to look out for each other and to reach out if they need assistance.