"Rising input costs are eating into producer margins dramatically at the present time," he added.
"And the only solution is for milk buyers to deliver a better price for their producers. I am hearing reports that the prices paid at last month's United Dairy Farmers' milk auction represented the low point for 2008. I sincerely hope this is the case because the days are gone when dairy farmers will work for nothing.
"Local milk producers were enjoying a period of sustainable returns in the run-up to Christmas. But dramatic rises in feed, fertiliser and fuel costs over recent months have turned things around entirely, to the extent that only a significant increase in producer milk prices will put things back on to an even keel.''
John Hunter made his comments in the run-up to next week's Ayrshire Cattle Society annual general meeting and conference, taking place in Templepatrick.
This is only the second time in 130 years that the prestigious event has been held on the island of Ireland. What's more, John is only the second breeder from Northern Ireland to hold the position of president.
The first was Brian King, some 20 years ago.
"Ayrshire breeding is really on the up throughout the British Isles at the present time,'' confirmed the Crumlin-based milk producer.
"Ayrshire semen usage is increasing as is the number of pedigree registrations. There has also been a significant uptake of Ayrshire genetics in those black and white herds now looking at the option of cross breeding.
"The Ayrshire cow is hardy, fertile and has tremendous longevity. The breed is also synonymous with the production of high quality milk."
John's year as president ends with the forthcoming AGM. However, he is quick to point out that the last 12 months have been peppered with a number of significant highlights.
"I had the opportunity of travelling to the World Dairy Expo last autumn. Approximately 2,000 high quality dairy cows, representing all the various breeds is a sight to behold," he confirmed.
"The trip also provided my colleagues and I with the chance to highlight the endeavours of Ayrshire breeders on this side of the Atlantic, to the extent that semen export opportunities to the United States are now in the offing.
"I also had the honour of speaking at many Ayrshire events held the length and breadth of these islands and hosted visits by foreign breeders to these shores."
But it is cementing the future of Ayrshire cattle that galvanises John Hunter more than anything else. And, in this context, he is particularly enthused about the breed development programme work now underway.
"We have recently initiated a young bull testing programme which, no doubt, will bear fruit over the coming years. And I am delighted to confirm that a number of breeders from Northern Ireland are centrally involved with this important initiative."
Catering for the needs of tomorrow's Ayrshire enthusiasts was another central theme to John's presidential year.
"I have just returned from a young breeders' event, held in Cornwall, at which a number of the main prizes were won by groups from Northern Ireland," he said.
"These are exciting times for dairy farming and Ayrshire breeding in particular. I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as president and am looking forward to a very successful AGM and conference, which get underway on Thursday next."
o A Farmers For Action delegation will meet David Dobbin, chief executive of the United Dairy Farmers group on Tuesday.