It may seem a strange thing to thank our farmers for, but the past two weeks have been anything but normal, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to force us into more extreme lockdown measures and imposes further restrictions.
When restrictions were imposed on shoppers buying fresh milk I, like many others, couldn't help but shake my head. Our farmers, our staff and our cows are healthy, and our cows have not stopped producing top-quality milk. Our dairy farmers have continued to go about their on-farm business as usual and it seems with their usual cheer.
Fortunately for us, government recognised the critical importance of ensuring our food supplies remain steady and secure early in the piece. As such all dairy and all other agribusinesses were defined as essential services, which allows for some restrictions around movement and distancing to be relaxed.
While this does not exempt dairy farmers or their staff to be complacent about the necessary health and hygiene advice recommended to combat COVID-19, it does mean that we can carry on as normal, or as much as we can under the circumstances.
From the numerous conversations had over the past week, the major concern for members has been that the tankers continue to pick up as scheduled and processors can continue to process and produce.
Many of the larger processors like Lactalis have had to manage production in international coronavirus hotspots like Italy and have learnt from the experience. All processors will work together to share knowledge and cooperate to ensure the steady supply through this crisis.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank both the state and federal governments and all of those working as part of the National Response Group.
All of these people should be praised for their continued diligence in ensuring that every minute cog in our supply chains are in order and continue to function efficiently.
