Tirlán increases milk price by 1c/litre
Tirlán chairman John Murphy said that while dairy markets are "generally stable, the board is acutely aware of the severe challenges facing our milk suppliers this season as wet ground conditions make grazing very difficult".
Tirlán has confirmed it will pay a total of 43.08c/litre for March milk supplies.
The March milk price consists of a base price of 39.58c/litre, an increase of 1c; a 3c/litre weather payment; and a sustainability action payment of 0.5c/litre.
The Tirlán total price for March creamery milk, based on LTO constituents of 4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein, is 46.79c/litre.
Tirlán chairman John Murphy said that while dairy markets are "generally stable, the board is acutely aware of the severe challenges facing our milk suppliers this season as wet ground conditions make grazing very difficult".
"The March rainfall total at weather stations in the south-east was around twice the long-term average, with April rainfall to date already exceeding the normal monthly average," Mr Murphy said.
"This is having a significant impact on our milk supply and creating very challenging conditions for farmers, with yields per cow subdued as herds approach peak supply.
“We have provided support to our dairy farmers, including a feed rebate of €30/tonne, interest-free credit on fertiliser purchases and our 3c/litre weather payment for March milk."
Additionally, milk suppliers can avail of an optional 5c/litre milk advance payment scheme.
The Kerry Group milk price for March supplies is 41c/litre, which was also increased by 1c/litre.
The March price consists of a base price of 39c/litre and a milk contract payment of 2c/litre on all qualifying milk volumes.
The milk price at EU standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat is 44.96c/litre.
Based on Kerry’s average milk solids for March, the milk price return inclusive of Vat and bonuses is 44.08c/litre.
Dairygold in recent days announced a weather/fodder relief payment of 2c/litre, and maintained its March quoted milk price at 40c/litre.
In addition, the early calving bonus of 1c/litre will be paid on milk supplied in March.
The attainable Dairygold milk price for March milk is therefore 43c/litre, including the weather/fodder relief payment and the early calving bonus.
The quoted milk price for March based on EU standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat is 45.7c/litre, including the early calving bonus and relief payment.
Lakeland Dairies was the first to confirm its March price.
It announced that it will pay a base price of 41.9c/litre for milk in the Republic of Ireland.
The base price has increased by 0.5c/litre and also includes the 0.5c/litre sustainability incentive payment.
A separate 1c/litre input support payment is being paid on top of the base price.
The all-in base price for suppliers is 42.9c/litre for milk supplied in March.
