Milk Shortage May Linger
SOUTH AFRICA - The milk shortage which has hit Gauteng is a worldwide problem and will last a decade, according to Milk Producers' Organisation of South Africa spokesperson Bertus de Jongh.
25 April 2007
1 minute read
He was commenting on the milk drought , that has hit many retail outlets. Many local supermarkets said they were having big difficulties with deliveries. Suppliers had told them that the problem was going to get worse in the short term.
De Jongh said the main reason for the shortage was the drop in milk prices over the past two years.
Milk farners have been selling off cattle for slaughter as meat prices have increased leaving depleted milk herds.
He added that the drought which had affected maize production had had a knock on effect with cows not getting optimal nutrition. This has resulted in a drop in milk production.
Kees Legemaat of Rayton said the average price per litre locally was R2.50 while imported milk was bought at R3.15 a litre.
