Dairygold cuts - Monaghan holds

By Joe Rea

Dairygold have cut their May price by two cent a gallon. This has been the signal for most of the others to follow.

Demonstrating Dairygold's huge importance in milk pricing nationally. The pace setting exception at a high price level are Monaghan. They are holding not alone for May but also June.

This places them at the top of the predicted May League. That's not all. They are also top of the Northern League. An exceptional performance which reflects exellently on chairman, board and management.

The Dairygold cut of two cent is disappointing. Yes I know market forces are downwards.

However where is the major rationalisation saving for the actual Dairygold milk supplier.

This rationalisation programme was undertaken with great courage by the Dairygold Board and management. It has resulted in a saving of the equivalent of ten cent a gallon in wage costs.

Against this background one looks forward to Dairygold holding the price for the remainder of 2005.

In our predicted table five creameries are beating 27 cl. They are Kerry, North Cork, Wexford, Monaghan, Newmarket and Boherbue. This group are ahead of both Dairygold and Glanbia with large milk volumes.

Connacht Gold courageously holds their base price for May.

Joining them in this category of no cut is Wexford. Lakeland have also held the May price but at a low level despite claims in their annual report that they are supporting milk price.

Some support it puts them in 11th position in the April League.

Irish Farmers' Journal Milk League Tables

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