Dairy Producers in Chihuahua Struggle Despite Milk Price Increase

In the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, dairy producers continue to face significant financial challenges despite an agreement to increase the purchase price of milk by 0.45 pesos per liter. The deal was made with Liconsa and the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development earlier this year. However, producers report that this increase has not been sufficient to cover rising production costs.

Santos Anchondo, leader of the dairy producers in Delicias, expressed concerns that the set price of 11.50 pesos per liter falls short of what is necessary to yield a profit. Anchondo claims that a price of between 13.50 and 15 pesos per liter would be required to cover expenses and provide a decent margin. Additionally, producers are burdened with expenses such as social security fees and increasingly costly supplies.

The situation has led to difficult decisions for many producers, with some selling parts or all of their herds. 'We are ending the reproductive age of the livestock as we replace the old animals,' Anchondo stated, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the dairy producers in the region.