The two largest milk processors in NI, Lakeland Dairies and Dale Farm have both announced a price increase for October, although others have decided to leave prices unchanged.

Lakeland set its price last Thursday and applied a 0.3p/l increase, which brings its base to 26.55p/l.

Dale Farm went up by 0.25p/l, matching the Lakeland base at 26.55p/l when its 0.3p/l loyalty bonus is included.

However, Dale Farm also pays a 2p/l winter bonus on all milk delivered during October, which effectively puts its suppliers on 28.55p/l. It is the highest base price paid by the co-op since November 2018.

Aurivo is the only processor still to declare a price

Elsewhere, Glanbia Cheese left its base price unchanged on 26p/l, which increases to 28p/l when its 2p/l winter bonus is added in.

Strathroy is also unchanged on 26p/l, but pays a 1p/l winter bonus for October milk.

That leaves Glanbia Milk/Fivemiletown unchanged on 27p/l. Both Glanbia Milk and Lakeland do not pay a winter bonus on October milk.

Aurivo is the only processor still to declare a price. See next week’s milk league for full analysis of October milk prices.

Fixed Price contract

Meanwhile, following on from new fixed price schemes from Dale Farm and Glanbia Milk, Lakeland has decided to renew its current fixed price contract for another three-year term. Suppliers can commit either 5% or 10% of annual milk supply at a guaranteed base of 26p/l from April to September, rising to 28p/l from October to March.

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