Low milk prices are affecting business say farmers

Members of the Rushton Spencer branch of the National Farmers Union also illustrated their increasing frustration by unveiling a perspex milk bottle with the message "how much are you paying for you milk?" on it.

The bottle pointed out that milk costs on average 11p to produce but farmers only receive on average 10p per pint for their milk.

John Moss, chairman of the Rushton branch of the NFU, said the dairy industry was at crisis point because of poor prices.

'Difficult time'

"The situation we are facing is very grave indeed and many dairy farmers are considering their options for the future because the current price is not sustainable," he said.

Ms Atkins, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, received the petition at the Butter Market in Leek town centre on Friday afternoon.

She said: "I understand that farming is going through a very difficult time - especially the dairy sector.

"Obviously the strength of the pound compounds that problem so I am happy to accept the petition as I am determined to work with farmers to ensure they have an adequate income."