The overall positive trend in milk markets confirmed farmers’ impression that co-ops had not stretched themselves in October’s milk price, possibly with one eye on an impending Brexit mess, ICMSA dairy committee chair Gerald Quain has said.

The ICMSA has said recent uptake in skim milk powder and whole milk powder indicated increased demand in China and was another sign that normal trading patterns were fitfully returning.

Following calls for a minimum of 32c/l this month, Quain said it was irritating to see so many processors below that figure and rejected the idea that any increase paid to farmer suppliers for solids should compensate them for the base price.

“It must be reiterated that efficiencies such as genetic gain, improved feed quality and management techniques inside the farm gate have led to this increase in solids and therefore higher average prices.

“It is not good enough to classify that as an increase in price rather than what it is; a return on investment for the numerous efficiency measures introduced and operated by the farmers themselves.”

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