The value of Ornua's purchase price index (PPI) stood at 111.1 in August, according to figures published this Wednesday.

This represents a 3.5% rise on the previous month. The price of dairy commodities marketed by Ornua has now caught up with last year's levels after a dip in the spring.

The latest PPI came after Lakeland Dairies was first to set its milk price for August on Tuesday, keeping it unchanged. The co-op referred to a rise in milk powder prices, but a decline for butter, as the basis for its decision.

More co-ops are now due to set August prices, with the IFA warning that dairy farmers' backs are to the wall with feeding costs mounting after this year's difficult weather.

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