Carbery Group has become the latest processor to announce its milk price for December, revealing its decision to hold its current price – as well as a bonus payment it will make on all milk supplied in 2020.

In a brief statement this evening (Monday, December 18), a spokesperson for the west Cork group said:

“Carbery has maintained its milk price for December.

If this decision is replicated across the four west Cork co-ops – Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird – this will result in an average price for December of 32.4c/L, inclusive of VAT.

“This price is inclusive of 1c/L in support which continues to be paid from the Stability Fund.

“The price is exclusive of Somatic Cell Count (SCC) or any other adjustments which may be made by the co-ops.”

Continuing, the group spokesperson said:

The board is pleased to confirm their decision to also pay a 0.5cpl bonus for all milk supplied in 2020.

Earlier today, Dairygold also decided to hold its milk price for December.

A spokesperson said: “Dairygold has maintained its December quoted milk price unchanged at 32.311c/L (VAT Adjusted 5.6% vs. 5.4%), based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, inclusive of bonuses and VAT.

“Dairy markets remain relatively stable, following the positive outcome of the EU/UK Trade Deal.

“Global milk supply and dairy demand remain in fine balance. As is customary, the board will continue to review milk price on a month by month basis,” the cooperative representative concluded.

Meanwhile, the Dairygold Board has approved a three-year fixed milk price scheme, at 32.25c/L at 3.30% protein and 3.60% butterfat, including VAT, BSC and Sustainability Bonus.

This price equates to 36.73c/L based on the society’s average 2020 milk solids, Dairygold says.