The starting price paid by Dale Farm for August milk is effectively up 1.5p on the previous month, after the co-op applied a number of adjustments to how it will pay suppliers.

The base price has been increased by 2.5p to 33p/l, however, a “market support” payment has been cut from 1.5p to 0.5p/l. Adding in the 0.3p loyalty payment, Dale Farm is on a starting point of 33.3p/l.

Prices paid by the co-op in August are also boosted by the Dale Farm Milk Production Realignment (MPR) scheme. This three-year scheme, which started in August 2024, pays 4p/l for additional litres produced over and above a reference volume for individual suppliers – this reference volume is based on the average supply in the same month during 2021, 2022 and 2023.

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In August 2026, the average MPR payout to Dale Farm suppliers was 0.62p/l.

Lakeland

Elsewhere, Lakeland Dairies confirmed last Thursday a 0.5p/l increase, taking its base to 31.4p/l. The co-op noted that the market is continuing to improve and while global production remains high, the rate of growth is slowing.

“This will help to bring a better balance between supply and demand in the months ahead,” stated Lakeland.

Omagh processor Strathroy Dairies has also set an August price, increasing it by 1p/l to a base of 32p/l, while Leprino Foods applied the same price rise, taking its base to 30.75p/l.

Britain

In Britain, where prices are set in advance, autumn milk is heading towards 40p/l as processors look to encourage supply following months of drought.

First Milk is paying 35.85p/l for a standard manufacturing litre in September, rising to 39p/l in October.

Arla increased its September price by 0.89p/l, taking it to 39.04p/l for conventional milk, while Müller suppliers will receive a September price of 35p/l, rising to 37ppl from 1 October 2026.

The prices quoted in Britain are generally for milk at a base of 4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein.