Festive cheer: dairy farmers receive Christmas Day incentive

Norco Co-operative has announced it will pay its farmers an extra 10 cents per litre for their milk on Christmas Day, as a recognition of the work and dedication of its farming community.

This comes after a record year of increased farm gate milk prices, with an additional $36m paid to Norco dairy farmers to help offset the continued rising costs and lower production volumes brought about by weather conditions.

On Christmas Day, 281 Norco dairy farmers across New South Wales’s north coast and southern Queensland will be working to milk their herds.

Norco Chief Executive Michael Hampson said that farmers who work tirelessly are central to the Christmas cheer many enjoy over the holiday period.

Hampson said the initiative forms part of Norco's effort to support its members during this difficult period for farming.

He said the co-operative’s primary focus is providing support to its farmer members and the industry; however, consumer support will play a role over this period, with money made from Norco products going towards helping farmers.

Though dairy farmers do not get a day off on Christmas Day, they find a way to celebrate. For the Harrigan family from Townson, South Queensland, Christmas Day begins with waking up early to open gifts. They then milk their cows and spend the day working on the farm before ending off with a big Christmas dinner.

“Our kids have always understood that the cows must be taken care of before we celebrate. And rather than staying in their rooms until the work is done, they opt to hang out with my wife and I on the farm, and this time together makes it feel like we are starting our celebrations early,” Jamie Harrigan said.