As world dairy markets continue to recover, the industry in Ireland has gone in the other direction, cutting peak supply milk prices.

Milk processors are warning that a typical dairy farmer could take a €30,000 income hit this year due to low milk prices.

An international milk price comparison shows Dairygold Co-op paying more for milk in February than Glanbia or Kerry, in contrast to Irish milk price leagues which show it paying a lower price.

I always dreaded the drive out to Teddy’s, with the last bit full of potholes, so it was a great surprise to find the road had been resurfaced to top standard.

This year, with poor milk prices and increased stock numbers putting pressure on all farmers, finding on-farm efficiencies has never been so important.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has confirmed that negotiations are underway for a €500m support package for EU farmers.

Glanbia’s global ingredients business is likely to remain challenged in the second half of the year with its managing director anticipating persistent weak milk prices for at least the remainder of this year.

British supermarket Morrisons and German trader Aldi responded yesterday to pressure from financially strapped dairy farmers by raising the price they pay milk suppliers.