Sizeable gap in profit margins, figures show

The milk price in 2013 averaged 40c in profit monitor results compiled by Teagasc.

This was 7.5c higher than 2012, but the average net profit margin in 2013, at 15.3c a litre, was only 4c higher than 2012 due to fodder problems.

The top 10% with profit monitor results saw a price of 41.2c; the lowest performing 10% had a milk price of 39c.