Dairy farmer Andy Baggs fears he may be forced out of business within six months because of rock-bottom milk prices.

Mr Baggs says he'd have to “seriously consider” getting rid of his 200-stong herd if market conditions remain unchanged.

Mr Baggs, of Worgret Manor Farm, spoke to the Daily Echo after MPs urged the government to do more to protect dairy farmers from plummeting milk prices.

A Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report painted a bleak picture of current conditions, saying farmers were being forced out of business every week by 'changes beyond their control'.

Mr Baggs says the average cost of keeping his cattle well looked after is currently equivalent to 30p for each litre of milk produced - but he can only sell for between 22 and 23p per litre.

“Milk prices are down to a ridiculous levels in supermarkets, about 50p a litre,” he explained. “But if the farmer is only getting 22p, that means someone else is getting way over half the ridiculously discounted price. Who is getting this? It isn't the farmer.

“At the end of the day we are not getting a fair crack of the whip.”

In December the National Farmers Union (NFU) revealed dairy farmer numbers in the UK had fallen below 10,000 for the first time.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report acknowledges a number of issues affecting global milk markets, but it does also urge government to consider extending the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator to include dairy farmers.

This means the adjudicator could investigate to ensure milk suppliers to the 10 largest supermarkets are treated lawfully and fairly.

Mr Baggs said: “Something needs to happen, as the current situation is a recipe for disaster. Once the farmer cannot produce anymore - which will happen at these prices sooner than people think - then fresh milk may become a thing of the past.”