The October milk league shows that for most processors it was a case of holding what they had on milk price. The west Cork co-ops remain on top even when we exclude the milk quality bonus for milk delivered under 200 SCC, which a lot of west Cork farmers would be getting.

Lakeland Dairies lifted base price by 0.25c/l bringing it to the top of the chasing pack, heading up Division 2. Arrabawn Co-op also lifted price a touch, but it remains in Division 3. There was some upward movement from some of the smaller players, North Cork and Boherbue.

October milk supply typically represents about 8% of annual supply on the annual milk supply curve, so it’s the last significant month in terms of volumes for most suppliers.

Big players Kerry and Glanbia remain in the middle of Division 3, paying a base price of about 29.5 c/litre ex VAT. Tipperary Co-op and Boherbue bring up the rear of the table. Boherbue pays another 1 c/l to those farmers who trade with the co-op but in the monthly league we compare base price excluding conditional bonuses.

Milk markets remain positive, with recent trades pointing prices upwards, despite the fact New Zealand is in peak milk and supply is up on the previous season.

The GDT took a wobble for one auction in early November, but price has been up for four of the last five auctions, with whole milk powder rising 5% this week to reach almost $3,200/tonne (€2,653/t). This is a real signal that China is still keen in the market despite talk of stock build up etc.

Closer to home, Aurivo this week announced a fixed milk price offer of 30.8c/l, excluding VAT, at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat (32.5c/l including VAT).

The scheme is available to all milk suppliers at a maximum of 15% of 2020 supply volumes for three years.

Co-op boards will meet in the coming days to set November milk price.

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