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Saving money, saving time on administration work, and a very convenient way to pay – those are the three main advantages of using First Milk Direct, according to Fiona and Jim Graham, who farm an expanding 90 cow herd at North Biggart Farm, Beith, in Ayrshire with Jim’s father, Jim senior.

The family have been using First Milk Direct for three years now. Initially sceptical, they didn’t know what to expect as they were one of the first in the area to try the service and had no fellow farmer-feedback on which to judge it. They initially asked for a fertiliser quote and were so impressed with the price that they bought there and then! The couple have used the service ever since.

Always one for checking out the best deal, the couple are now using the service to source fertiliser, tags, sawdust, and also recycling bins. Electricity is next on the list – come August when their current contract expires, they will definitely be making the change. Most First Milk Direct users acknowledge that they obtain significant benefits from other suppliers just by using the service to compare prices, including the Grahams.

“Before buying fuel, feed and dairy chemicals I receive a price from First Milk Direct. My suppliers know it and this helps them keep their prices keen. Simply by being there, the service provides indirect benefits,” said Fiona.

That fact is acknowledged by Neil Pullar of First Milk Direct. “We are aware many members use us as a lever to obtain better prices from existing suppliers who may be local and there is a degree of shared loyalty. Our company objective is to make our members better off through every available means and we are pleased members are ultimately saving money both directly and indirectly via First Milk Direct.

“One of our challenges is to work with and support local suppliers while at the same time delivering increased benefit by reducing the supply chain and removing unnecessary cost,” said Neil.

All in all, Fiona estimates she will have saved around £2,000 over the last three years by using First Milk Direct. But the time saving advantages have been huge as well.

On shavings alone, half a man day every two weeks was spent travelling to get them. Now they all come at the start of the season. When it comes to running the business the time saved from reduced administration is also extremely valuable, reckoned Fiona who works off-farm three days a week, leaving just one day for the farm’s work.

“I’d thoroughly recommend members check out First Milk Direct and get a quote and compare it with their current supplier. The payment terms are very favourable and it’s easy to see on the milk cheque what’s what.”