The first ever Farmers Guardian Farmer of the Future winner in 2003 has discussed the supply chain with the publication.
With supply chain payments being a big issue with farmers, Trevor Lloyd said that it is important for milk producers to know "at what milk price they can be successful".
"As an industry we've essentially been told by the supply chain for the past 15 years to drive costs out of our business," he said.
"Perhaps it's time for the supply chain to suggest to dairy farmers why we should still produce milk."
Mr Lloyd added that he was "not being negative" but that many in the milk industry were losing "critical mass" and those in the supply chain needed to recognise that.
Earlier this month, Ulster Farmers' Union deputy president John Thompson warned of a crisis in the milk sector, where 47 million litres sold for approximately 19.22 pence per litre at an auction in Northern Ireland.
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