Lakeland Dairies has announced today (Tuesday, October 29) the rolling out of its latest voluntary fixed milk price scheme for all of its 3,200 farm family suppliers in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The scheme, which will run from January to December 2025, will allow Lakeland Dairies suppliers lock in either 5% or a maximum 10% of their milk volumes based on 2023 volumes.

In the Republic of Ireland, a price of 46c/L (including VAT) is available for the months of April to September, with a price of 48c/L (including VAT) available for October to December, along with January to March.

In Northern Ireland, a price of 37p/L is available for the period April to September, with a price of to 39p/L available for October to December, along with January to March.

Online applications opened on the co-op’s website at 1p.m today, and will close on Thursday, October 31. The fixed milk price scheme is also eligible for all existing Lakeland Dairies bonuses.

Commenting on the scheme, Lakeland Dairies’ group CEO Colin Kelly said that market volatility has “become one of the biggest challenges” dairy farm families in recent years.

Lakeland Dairies

“At all times, Lakeland Dairies seeks to offer our farm family suppliers tools and measures to help mitigate against the worst of market downturns.

“Fixed milk price schemes provide farmers with a choice and they also give a degree of clarity which allows farmers to plan for the time ahead,” Kelly said.

The scheme is completely voluntary and the co-op has advised that suppliers examine the details of the fixed milk price scheme closely, and seek advice if necessary to make an informed choice based on all the facts.

Lakeland Dairies also announced a new dairy manufactured feed support initiative earlier this month, in order to support liquid and winter milk suppliers over the early and mid-lactation period. 

The rebate will also assist all herds to formulate balanced diets following a challenging growing season.