A Pembrokeshire dairy discussion group focusing on year-round milk supply has been set up in reaction to new financial penalties imposed on spring producers.

The group held its inaugural meeting at Chapel Hill Farm, Camrose, last week, hosted by brothers Matthew and Mark Mathias.

Members are keen to get more milk from grass without heading down the extreme spring calving route.

They are acutely aware of the dual pricing system introduced by the milk co-operative, First Milk, to tackle the seasonality problem. Its dual pricing system is designed to offer farmer members the opportunity to break out of what it terms as the 'damaging cycle of ever-higher spring milk production',

Matthew Mathias said the new discussion group would concentrate on different aspects of year-round supply.

"We are focusing on flattening out the milk supply rather than swimming against the tide," he said.

The as yet un-named group, currently known as the Pembrokeshire Dairy Discussion Group, will concentrate on subjects beyond producing milk from grass.

Subjects under discussion at last week's meeting, facilitated by Pembrokeshire dairy farmer, Alan Wheatley, included the merits of traditional verses mower topping, and wholecrop silage.

Matthew Mathias said the feedback had been valuable. "We were given ideas on how we can further improve the system. It's all about learning and using that information."

Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Stephen Bradley on 01834 860965. Roy Jenkins, of Hobbins Hill, Llawhaden, will host the next meeting on September 12th.

Pictured: Brothers Mark and Matthew Mathias. PICTURE: Western Telegraph.*