New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that milk intake was at 136.7 million litres in December. This is a further drop from November figures, which showed that production was down by 13% to an estimated 239.8 million litres.

However, Ireland was still 5.93% over quota in the end of December for the 2014/2015 milk, way above the 1.63% over-quota this time last year. The figure was 7.15% and 6.51% in October and November respectively.

Superlevy

The IFA has asked Commissioner Hogan and Minister Coveney to help ease the financial burden faced by dairy farmers.

“Farmers will face high tax liabilities which will have to be paid out of low incomes this year, and a superlevy fine on top of this could cripple many farmers," said National Dairy Committee Chairman Sean O’Leary. "This will bring into question at least the timing of many farmers’ investment plans."

“It is crucial that farmers would continue their hard work in close collaboration with their advisors and their co-ops to reduce as much as possible their exposure to a potentially crippling fine."

Do you need to consider options if over quota?

Milk production down 17.1% in December

Milk intake in December was down by 17.1% compared to the previous year, as farmers attempt to curb supplies to avoid superlevy bill.