Lisavaird top as big gap remains in milk prices

THE best payers for milk are nearly 10% ahead of the back-markers in the Irish Farmers Journal/KPMG annual milk price audit.

In 2003, top payer Lisavaird Co-op averaged 27.24 cent per litre after collection charges and levies. Bringing up the rear of the 13 audited milk processors was Connacht Gold, paying 24.65 cent per litre, 9.5% off the pace.

However, the price range has narrowed from the 12.9% gap between Bandon and Connacht Gold in 2002, and the 11.78% gap between Bandon and Lakeland in 2001.

For 2003, Bandon dropped to joint second place, shared with Barryroe. Their Carbery Milk Products co-owner Drinagh is in fifth place.

Wexford Creameries has held its fourth place in the milk price league, and Co Cork’s Newmarket Co-op made an impressive audit debut in sixth place.

The full 2003 ranking is as follows: (1) Lisavaird , 27.24 cent per litre (2) Bandon Co-op, 27.21 cent per litre (2) Barryroe Co-op, 27.21 cent per litre (4) Wexford Creameries, 27.20 cent per litre (5) Drinagh Co-op, 26.78 cent per litre (6) Newmarket Co-op, 26.67 cent per litre (7) Kerry, 26.65 cent per litre (8) Glanbia, 26.39 cent per litre (9) Dairygold Co-op, 26.14 cent per litre (10) Lakeland Dairies, 25.83 cent per litre (11) Town of Monaghan, 25.46 cent per litre (12) Arrabawn Co-op, 25.36 cent per litre (13) Connacht Gold, 24.65 cent per litre.