NI’s largest dairy co-op, Dale Farm has confirmed it will change its payment increments for butterfat and protein from 1 January 2026, as part of a process of bringing those payments into line with current base prices.
Since April 2025 the co-op has paid 0.041p/l for each 0.01% incremental change in butterfat above or below a base of 3.95%. Protein is paid at 0.067p/l for each 0.01% increment from a 3.24% base. At those prices, Dale Farm is in effect, valuing milk solids at 37.9p/l.
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When introducing the new pricing system earlier in 2025, the co-op said it would review those increments on a quarterly basis.
From 1 January, each 0.01% change in butterfat will now be valued at 0.034p and each 0.01% change in protein at 0.055p/l. It effectively leaves the value put on milk solids at 31.25p/l.
Elsewhere, prices remain subdued on European dairy markets, with butter at the Dutch Dairy Board auction on Wednesday down €50 at €3,900/t. Whole Milk Powder was up €30 at €3,030/t and skim up €30 at €2,170/t.
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Dale Farm revises price increments
NI’s largest dairy co-op, Dale Farm has confirmed it will change its payment increments for butterfat and protein from 1 January 2026, as part of a process of bringing those payments into line with current base prices.
Since April 2025 the co-op has paid 0.041p/l for each 0.01% incremental change in butterfat above or below a base of 3.95%. Protein is paid at 0.067p/l for each 0.01% increment from a 3.24% base. At those prices, Dale Farm is in effect, valuing milk solids at 37.9p/l.
When introducing the new pricing system earlier in 2025, the co-op said it would review those increments on a quarterly basis.
From 1 January, each 0.01% change in butterfat will now be valued at 0.034p and each 0.01% change in protein at 0.055p/l. It effectively leaves the value put on milk solids at 31.25p/l.
Elsewhere, prices remain subdued on European dairy markets, with butter at the Dutch Dairy Board auction on Wednesday down €50 at €3,900/t. Whole Milk Powder was up €30 at €3,030/t and skim up €30 at €2,170/t.
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