Both Kerry and Dairygold are the latest processors to decide to hold their milk prices for February, following a similar decision by other processors yesterday.
Suppliers of Kerry will continue to be paid 31c/L, including VAT, for February milk. This is based on milk supplied at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat.
Last month, Kerry decided to increase its milk price by 2c/L for January supplies.
At its meeting today, the board of Dairygold decided to hold its milk price for February deliveries at 31.5c/L, including VAT and bonuses.
This follows on from the processor’s decision to increase its milk price by 1c/L for January milk.
Meanwhile, both Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies announced their milk prices for February supplies yesterday.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) has decided to hold its base price for February at 31c/L, including VAT, for manufacturing milk at 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein.
Glanbia suppliers will continue to be paid 31c/L, following a 1c/L increase by the processor for January supplies.
The board will continue to monitor dairy markets on a monthly basis, Glanbia Chairman, Henry Corbally, said.
Lakeland Dairies also decided to hold its price for February supplies, at 31.28c/L including VAT.
This follows on from the processor’s decision to increase its January price by 1c/L.
‘GDT dairy price fall may well be a one-off’
Meanwhile, the ICMSA President, John Comer, believes that Irish milk prices should not falter in the wake of last week’s Global Dairy Trade (GDT) result.
“Ornua’s PPI is a much more accurate indicator of the prices that are available to Irish dairies. And this index gives no indication of dairy returns weakening over the coming months,” he said.
“Last week’s GDT outcome may well be a one-off event.
We have seen these before. And, as such, it may well have little or no bearing on the tone of Irish milk prices over the coming months.
“We analyse in depth all the indicators that reflect the tone of international dairy prices. However, the PPI has held firm. And this must bode positively for Irish farm-gate milk prices over the coming months,” he said.