LacPatrick has announced that it will be holding its milk price for January milk supplies in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, LacPatrick Dairies will pay suppliers a base price of 29.45p/l.

Suppliers in the Republic of Ireland will be paid a base price of 33.91c/l, excluding VAT.

LacPatrick suppliers in the Republic of Ireland are being paid an unconditional 3c/l ‘Early Calving Bonus’ on all milk supplied in January.

Market comment

Commenting on the milk price, LacPatrick Dairies chairman Andrew McConkey said: “We acknowledge that there has been an improved sentiment in the global dairy markets in recent weeks, albeit from a low base.

“However, we still have a significant gap between the current price being paid to our suppliers and the market returns.

“Based on the situation as it stands, it would appear inevitable that the gap between the market returns and the price being paid to suppliers will have to narrow.

“However, we will continue to closely monitor the market situation so that we return the highest possible price to our farmers,” McConkey said.

Majority of co-ops hold January price

The majority of co-ops have held the January milk price.

On Tuesday, Carbery held is price at 34.78c/l, excluding VAT, while on Monday, Dairygold held at 34.15c/l excluding VAT.

Aurivo held at 33.68c/l, Kerry held at 34.62c/l and Glanbia held at 33.2c/l, all excluding VAT.

Lakeland Dairies said it was holding its base price at 33.68c/l, but cut its 1c/l butter bonus for January supplies.

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