Dairy community behind farmers

Local farmer Adam Nelson from Farmer Wants A Wife fame was forced to close down his dairy.

By ALANA MITCHELSON

REALITY television star and Gippsland farmer Adam Nelson has called on the farming community to boycott cheaper milk options at supermarkets after having been forced to close his dairy.
Australian farmers have rallied together since the country’s two largest processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra cut their milk prices within the space of two weeks.
In a statement on social media, the 26-year-old who recently appeared as a contestant on the TV show Farmer Wants A Wife said he appreciated the level of support from the community.
“The reality of the last week is slowly sinking in. In one foul swoop, thousands of farming families have been left high and dry with nowhere to turn,” Mr Nelson’s statement read.
“10 years of building a life and business for myself has been ripped out from under my feet and has left me devastated, disheartened and extremely disappointed.
“Along with many others to come, my cows have left my farm and my business shut down at the hands of Fonterra.”
Mr Nelson said it was wonderful to see that in trying times, the dairy community had rallied together.
“It may take time, but as we stand together and raise our voices loud, we will be heard,” he said.
“Awareness and knowledge are two of the most influential and powerful attributes to fight this injustice that has been pushed onto so many Australian families. So make some noise and let’s make people aware.
“To those farmers, farmers’ wives and farming families, never be afraid to reach out for a helping hand. You are only a phone call away from family and friends who will love, support and embrace your pain, and will move heaven and earth to lighten your load in any way they can. Keep an eye and ear out for each other, and let’s get through this united.”
He has urged Murray Goulburn and Fonterra to keep payment contracts in place until the end of the financial year.
A local grocery store has taken matters into their own hands as the Australian milk crisis continues.
Neerim South IGA store manager Jordan Hedge said they have displayed a list of local suppliers on the milk fridge door for the past two weeks to make it easier for customers to support local dairy farmers.
“We did this in response to the local community’s concerns of where there milk was coming from, being a community mainly comprising dairy farmers,” Mr Hedge said.
“We take pride in being able to support our local community and saw this as a good opportunity to display it and help the community better support its dairy farmers.”