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Base prices across all milk processors in NI averaged 25.77p/l during 2019, down by 1.76p/l on the previous year when the average sat at 27.53p/l.
The lower price in 2019 equates to a reduction of £17,600 in annual income for a dairy farmer producing 1m litres of milk each year, and as much as £20,000 less when compared to 2017.
Across 2019, milk price fell in six months of the year, with January and December being the only months when there was any upward movement.
Further price cuts were applied in March
The year started with all processors working on a base of 26.5p/l, with Dale Farm and Glanbia Cheese being the only processors to increase base price, adding 0.5p/l and 1p/l respectively.
However, during February, all bar Strathroy cut base prices, with Aurivo, Dale Farm and Glanbia Milk taking 0.5p/l off, and Glanbia Cheese and Lakeland cutting base price by 0.75p/l.
Further price cuts were applied in March, ranging from 0.2p/l at Dale Farm, 0.25p/l at Aurivo and 0.5p/l at Lakeland, Glanbia Cheese and Strathroy. That left the range of base prices on 25.25p/l to 26p/l.
Prices holding
Across April, prices were left unchanged. However, during the peak production month of May, Aurivo Lakeland, Dale Farm, Glanbia Cheese and Strathroy all applied cuts to price.
Prices held during September, and in October while most left prices unchanged
Most held in June and July, but in August further reductions were applied, leaving base prices on 24 to 24.8p/l.
Prices held during September, and in October while most left prices unchanged, there was a 0.25p/l price correction from Dale Farm and Glanbia Cheese.
However, the year finished on a more positive note with Lakeland, Aurivo, Glanbia Milk/Fivemiletown and Strathroy increasing base prices by 0.5p/l for December milk.
Excluding winter bonus payments, base prices paid in December range from 23.75p/l up to 25.25p/l.
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