As co-op boards meet to set June milk prices, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) dairy chair Martin McElearney has called on processors to pay the maximum return possible to its suppliers.
“This isn’t the year for co-ops to set aside money or advance repayments. This is the year to return every cent possible to the farmer,” he said.
He said farmers are drawing on cash reserves and reaching credit limits, as higher feed, fuel and electricity costs continue to impact profitability.
Global milk supplies remain buoyant, limiting the opportunity for any upward correction to milk prices. McElearney said processors should manage their own costs better to support farmers.
“I don’t think anyone should underestimate just how challenging the environment is right now for dairy farmers. We need a better return for our milk,” the IFA dairy chair concluded.
The call comes as co-ops prepare to set a price for June milk supplies in the coming days.
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