Carbery Group has announced its milk price for supplies in July, opting to increase its price by 0.5c/L.

As well as that, a support payment of 0.5c/L will also be paid on last month's milk.

Carbery said that if these decisions are replicated across the four west Cork co-ops of Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh, and Lisavaird, this will result in an average milk price of 41.84c/L, including VAT, compared to 40.8c/L for June milk.

This price will also include a 0.5c/L somatic cell count (SCC) bonus and the FutureProof sustainability bonus (these figures, as well as the July support payment, are quoted excluding VAT).

The maximum FutureProof bonus available from Carbery for 2026 is 1.25c/L.

Carbery Group said that the average price paid for July milk, based on actual milk solids, is expected to be 45.75c/L, including VAT.

A spokesperson for the business said: "We recognise the particularly challenging operating conditions our farmer suppliers are facing as a result of the current weather.

"In addition to the 0.5c/L increase in base milk price for July, Carbery will provide an additional 0.5c/L support payment for the month," the spokesperson added.

Milk processors

Several other processors have moved to increase their milk prices and provide additional support in response to the drought conditions and a potential fodder shortage.

Most recently, Dairygold announced its milk price for July supplies and a rebate of €20/t for feed.

The co-op board increased its July quoted milk price by 0.5c/L to 38.5c/L, based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, inclusive of sustainability and quality payments, and VAT.

The co-op is also offering a €20/t rebate on bulk mainline dairy and beef feeds.

The rebate applies to feed delivered over a three-week period from Monday of this week (August 17) up to September 7 (inclusive of those dates).

Tirlán also announced its milk price this week, as well as an expanded support package for suppliers battling drought and fodder shortages.

Tirlán said that the support package will be worth a total of €15 million.

Kinisla, meanwhile, announced a 1.1c/L increase in milk price alongside an increased discount on selected dairy feeds.