Severe milk price cuts have been imposed by Irish milk processors for the second month in a row.
Tirlán and Dairygold, two of the biggest co-ops in the country, are leading the charge, with milk price cuts of 3.81c/l and 3.57c/l excluding VAT, respectively, for September.
These price cuts follow on from August, when both Dairygold and Tirlan cut milk prices by 2.85c/l and 2.38c/l excluding VAT respectively.
For the typical Dairygold supplier, the milk price cuts announced in August and September equate to an income loss of €3,225 excluding VAT, compared to the July milk price.
For a Tirlán supplier, the loss is €3,087, excluding VAT.
Every other co-op has cut the price for September, but not to the same extent as Tirlán or Dairygold, with most co-ops cutting prices by 2.85c/l. Carbery cut its price by 2c/l.
Downturn
A Dairygold spokesperson blamed the downturn in global dairy markets for the price cuts and warned that further milk price cuts are to be expected over the coming months.
“Futures markets are still declining for the remainder of the year, with the prices quoted for both butter and cheese for December 2025 below current levels, and further milk price corrections will be required,” the spokesperson said.
Tirlán chair John Murphy said whey protein prices remain firm, but that the drop in butter and cheese are substantial drivers of milk price.
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