Disappointment continues to ripple through the dairy industry with the arrival of the 2016-17 season.
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While some dairy farmers say they will make it through the tough times ahead, others are wondering where to go from here.
United Dairyfarmers secretary Chris O’Keefe said farmers were “desperate”.
Mr O’Keefe attended one of many farmer-focused barbecues hosted by the CFA across the south-west on Thursday.
More than 100 dairy farmers and their families came together to discuss issues and support each other.
The initiative was part of an industry-wide attempt to rally behind those affected by the milk price cuts, leaving many farmers struggling to break-even.
“What would you say if your boss turned around and said, ‘We want you to pay back the money you earned?’” Mr O’Keefe said.
“You’d be outraged. You’d be wondering how you were going to feed your family.
“There’s nothing wrong with guaranteed wages.”
Farmer of 19 years, Roma Britnell said the industry wasn’t like other businesses or jobs where people could just walk away.
The South West MP said she had 300 mouths to feed.
“It’s not like shoes. You can’t just walk away when you have animals depending on you,” she said.
“We just have to batten down the hatches.”
Koroit farmers Matt Howe and Shane Dickson said the milk price cuts meant tightening the reins and making cost-effective decisions.
“If it bounces back, the industry will be fine,” Mr Howe said. “If it continues for years, we’ll be in trouble.”
Mr Dickson said: “It’s young farmers without equity who have nowhere to go.”
Mr Dickson said those who were new to farming and had bigger loans would not have repaid enough to qualify for government support.
“Stress builds up on them immensely,” he said.
Supplier Paul Lenehan said he had accepted he would operate below cost for the next season.
“There’s not much you can do,” he said. “It’s disheartening when confidence is gone and you don’t know where you’re going.”
Mr Lenehan said he was frustrated by the price of milk in supermarkets.
“They’re all undercutting each other to get the better price but people don’t realise it flows down to us,” he said.
CFA South West Region brigade support member Simone Kinross said most farmers were remaining positive.
“They’d like the price to be higher but they’re just working on what they can,” she said. “It’s great to see different groups coming together to show their support.”