Pouring Milk in Fields - European Dairy Farmer Boycotts (GALLERY)

Using the featured cow sculpture as their mascot, German farmers are protesting milk prices, organizing a boycott that has left shelves almost completely devoid of dairy products. Dairy farmers are doing everything from pouring milk into fields, barricading roads and holding public protests to raise awareness.

They’re demanding grocers sell milk for a minimum of 85 cents per litre, to cover a minimum of 43 cents for farming costs. 95% of the Association of German Dairy Farmers say they’ll join the movement. They’re motivated by the success seen in Switzerland, where the rebellion brought about a 4 cent increase per kg of milk.

The movement is spreading to other European countries too including Austria, France and the Netherlands.

It’s already been seven days since distribution was cut off across Germany, and it’s hitting the population hard. Dairy products, from milk to cheese, are an integral parts of for the diets of many Germans, acting as staples for thousands of families. Grocery shelves are empty as farmers devote their time to protesting instead.