Raw Milk Production Cost Exceeds Recommended Price by 4 Lira

September 29, 2026 · Dünya Gazetesi

According to TÜSEDAD data, the production cost of raw milk rose to 28.50 lira in August, with the gap between the National Milk Council's recommended price of 24.30 lira and the cost reaching 4.20 lira.

Across Turkey, the cost calculation for milk producers has again seen an upward trend as of August. According to the latest report prepared by the All Milk, Meat and Breeding Cattle Breeders Association (TÜSEDAD), the production cost of one liter of hot raw milk has risen to 28.50 TL. The unit cost, calculated at 26.87 TL in July, increased by 1.63 TL per liter in just one month. The association based this calculation on a typical farm model with a capacity of 100 lactating cows and an average daily milk yield of 30 liters.

Sharp rises in input prices were the decisive factor in the rapid climb of production costs. According to TÜSEDAD data, concentrate feed prices increased by approximately 11% compared to the previous month. The rise in diesel prices was another factor pushing up the general logistics and production expenses of farms. While the increase in slaughter cattle prices provided some support to the farm's revenue, calculations emphasized that this additional income alone was not sufficient to offset feed and energy costs.

The National Milk Council (USK) had set the recommended selling price for raw cow's milk at a net 24.30 TL per liter, effective from May 1, 2026. This price represents the recommended amount, excluding support premiums, for raw cow's milk with 3.6% fat and 3.2% protein. Additionally, an extra payment of 1.80 TL is proposed to the producer upon covering cooling and transportation expenses. As a result of the council's decision not to change the price at its July meeting, the difference between TÜSEDAD's calculated cost of 28.50 TL and the current recommended price reached 4.20 TL.

In the face of increasing input pressures, producers are stating that the recommended price for raw milk urgently needs to be updated. In its official announcement dated July 16, the National Milk Council stated that while maintaining the current price policy, the recommended selling price would be re-evaluated in October. Although no new official price has been announced yet, producer organizations demand that the increased cost table be addressed. Sector representatives are focusing on the decision to be made at the meeting in October, stating that a price adjustment is critical for production sustainability.

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