THE PRODUCTION AND DISPOSAL OF MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE MIDLANDS

Abstract

Summary1. Milk for sale within the area under review is produced by 21,000 farmers. They produce some 356‐1 million gal. per annum, which at current prices returns to them a sum of £ 52‐5 million.All counties have increased production since 1938/39 varying from 98 per cent in Shropshire to 24 per cent in Warwickshire, averaging 42 per cent for the ten counties.2. Total population is 7‐7 millions, an increase of 19‐6 per cent since 1938, and the estimated liquid milk requirement of the area is put at approximately 240 million gal. per annum.3. The bulk of the manufacture of milk products takes place in Shropshire where milk processing and manufacture has increased by some 100 per cent since pre‐war. Some 20 farmhouse cheesemakers continue to make cheese on their farms.All Stilton cheese, approximately 1,700 tons per annum, is made within the area. This has increased but very little since pre‐war. In the meantime we import into this country some 3,000 tons Danish Blue cheese per annum.The dairy industry in these parts is largely made up of medium sized units which have grown from modest beginnings under family names.4. A wonderful market is available for liquid milk which can be supplied throughout the area direct from farms to town dairies. This also applies to milk products.There is sound evidence that the whole industry is alive to the value of the present and potential market within its reach and is exerting itself to take full advantage of it.