Arla’s price for conventional milk will remain unchanged in November, at 32.3p for the conventional manufacturing litre. “We have achieved a 16% increase in our price since July, as a result of four consecutive milk price increases,” Jonathan Ovens said. “We are expecting milk volumes to increase as we move into 2018 and this, coupled with increased activity in global markets from non-European players, means that commodity markets are now in balance.”

Elsewhere, First Milk held council elections for three positions. Scott Calderwood and Willie Purdue were re-elected, while David Walker became a new council member in the first elections held since the council was established in 2016. The Member Council has seven farmer members in total and is chaired by independent chair Séan Rickard.