For the first time since October 2018, a milk processor in NI has confirmed a starting price in excess of 30p/l.

Suppliers to NI’s largest processor, Lakeland Dairies, remain on a base of 26.55p/l, but along with its 3p/l winter bonus, the co-op is paying an additional 1p/l bonus on all milk delivered last month, giving an all-in price of 30.55p/l. Dale Farm was the last processor to pay from a starting point over 30p/l, while for Lakeland it last paid from an all-in price over 30p/l in December 2017.

Price rise

Among the other milk processors, Glanbia Milk/Fivemiletown is the only one to increase its base price for November milk, adding 0.5p/l, which brings it to 27.5p/l when the 0.6p/l year-round bonus is included.

But the Virginia-based processor also pays a 1.5p/l winter bonus for November, so suppliers will be paid off a base of 29p/l for last month.

Dale Farm set its price on Monday and announced it was holding its November price at a base of 26.55p/l, which includes its 0.3p/l loyalty bonus. Adding in its 2p/l winter bonus puts Dale Farm on an all-in price of 28.55p/l.

There is also no change at Strathroy, which is holding on an all-in price of 27p/l inclusive of a 1p/l winter bonus, and at Glanbia Cheese, where suppliers are on a base of 26p/l, which increases to 28p/l when its 2p/l winter bonus is factored in.