First processor confirms May milk price
"While sentiment around global dairy markets has turned more positive in recent weeks, there is some uncertainty over the long-term activity of buyers in the market."
Lakeland Dairies has held its base milk price for a second month.
It confirmed it will pay a base price of 41.9c/litre (3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein) for May milk in the Republic of Ireland.
The base price has been held from last month and includes the 0.5c/litre sustainability incentive payment.
A 1c/litre input support payment continues to be paid on top of the base price.
The all-in base price for suppliers is 42.9c/litre for milk supplied in May.
In Northern Ireland, a base price of 34.5p/litre will be paid for milk supplied in May.
The base price for May has been held and includes the 0.5p/litre sustainability incentive payment.
A 0.8p/litre input support payment continues to be paid to all suppliers.
The all-in price for suppliers is 35.3p/litre for May.
A Lakeland spokesperson said that "although weather conditions have improved and become more manageable in general, challenges around grazing and grass growth remain".
"Therefore, we have decided to maintain the input support payment to support our farmers at this time," the spokesperson said.
"While sentiment around global dairy markets has turned more positive in recent weeks, there is some uncertainty over the long-term activity of buyers in the market.
"Global supplies remain subdued which is the main determining factor in the recent volatility of the markets."
