Difficult weather conditions are having an impact on spring milk volumes.
Kerry Group have announced that their milk price for March supplies will be 41.0 c/L, including VAT – up from 40 c/L for February. It is priced at 3.30 pc protein and 3.60 pc butterfat – including a base price of 39c/L and a milk contract payment of 2c/L on all qualifying milk volumes.
Based on the group’s average milk solids for March, the milk price return inclusive of VAT and bonuses is 44.08 c/L.
A spokesperson from the group said: “Milk production in Europe remains under pressure due to very wet weather. This is providing support for dairy markets despite much uncertainty remaining around demand.”
Lakeland Dairies have also announced their milk prices for the month – company will pay 42.9c/L for March milk supplies – which includes the introduction of an input support payment of 1c/L and a base increase of 0.5c/L.
This includes a base price of 41.9c/L with 3.6 pc butterfat and 3.3 pc protein in the Republic of Ireland and a base price of 34.5p/L in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson from the group said, “Difficult weather conditions in Ireland are also having an impact on farmers across Europe. As a result, spring milk volumes are tempered thus far albeit it is still early in the spring milk season. This is helping to maintain a delicate balance between supply and demand.”
“Commodity prices have settled with general stability in the global dairy market, however, there is a continued cautious approach being adopted by buyers at present with no strong surge in demand.
“We fully recognise the pressure the continued inclement weather is having on farmers and their businesses. For the second time this year, we have introduced an Input Support Payment. We have increased and extended the hugely popular feed rebate scheme which has been in place since November.”
