Lakeland Dairies has announced it is holding its milk price at 33.5c/l excluding VAT for April.

This includes a 1c/l unconditional bonus for all April milk at 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein.

In Northern Ireland, the milk processor will also hold its milk price for northern suppliers at 29p/l, which also includes a 1p/l unconditional bonus.

Stable markets

“The markets have stabilised and remain in balance, as demand currently matches milk output across the globe,” a statement from Lakeland said.

"Overall, there is a general stability across the main commodity segments.

Conditions in the food service sector have started to improve on a tentative basis as lockdowns are eased and vaccine rollout continues,” it said.

It added that Lakeland would continue to monitor the market in the coming weeks.