Albury resident Gail Boyd said farmers were unfairly treated in response to processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra slashing the farm gate price of milk.

“Murray Goulburn obviously have got to recoup funds,” she said. 

“Now, the poor old farmers are the ones that are bearing the brunt of it.

“I don’t believe their livelihoods should have to suffer because of a multi-million dollar company’s mistake.

“Dairy farmers are sending their stock to the abattoirs – it’s just not right.” 

But East Albury IGA owner Bob Mathews said he had not noticed any dramatic change in the purchasing habits of his customers.

“I really do feel for the farmers – it’s tough enough as it is,” he said. 

“I spoke to a bloke who said, ‘don’t make me feel guilty about where and what I buy, because I’m on a single-income with a wife and three children and I buy my products wherever is cheapest’.

“That’s fine – I think a very large percentage of our population would think that way and will not be influenced as to whether it’s affecting the farmers or not.”

East Albury IGA co-owner Geraldine Mathews checked the store’s books and had noticed little change.

“It’s showing there hasn’t been a dramatic change at this stage,” she said. 

Consumer Anthony Hewett said it was tough for farmers to repay debts retrospectively.

“I think it’s pretty ordinary with the way the dairy farmers are been treated,” he said.

But Mr Hewett said it was difficult to determine which milk brands to buy to help affected farmers.

“It would be good for the media to give us more information so we can make an informed choice,” he said.

Newmarket Store short order cook Carly Liersch said Kiewa iced coffee was one of their most popular items.

“Obviously Australia is speaking up by not buying cheap milk,” she said. 

“We demand that Australia looks after Australian farmers – and so they should.”