22 Jul 2009 8:21 a.m.
Latest figures showing an average dairy farm loss of almost $60,000 last year comes as no surprise to Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture says the average cash loss of $58,500, a steep slide in payout, adverse weather and gloomy payout forecast combined to make a forgettable year.
The Federation's Bay of Plenty Dairy Chairman John Scrimgeour says while it seems like a scary figure to most people it's not unexpected for dairy farmers.
He says they've seen this creeping up on them over the last twelve months, but were left with nowhere to go.
John Scrimgeour is stressing the importance of seeking help and talking to neighbours if farmers are struggling and not coping under the pressure.