JUST when it looked as if things couldn't get any worse, dairy farmers have been hit by another thunderbolt as further farmgate cuts from April 1 are on the menu for many as production continues to surge ahead.

Many producers are now at - or even passed - crunch decision time, when simply increasing production to keep up returns is no longer an option.

The chances of any primary producer price upturn this year now look forlorn. The only advice The Scottish Farmer can give at this juncture is that if any dairy farmer cannot envisage lasting out for a couple of years, make the big decision quicker rather than later. And certainly before someone else makes it for you!

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