The September analysis of milk statements shows the same positioning as August. There are a few tweaks to individuals, with Tipperary Co-op changing around the relative values on fat and protein and Lakeland introducing a bonus for milk over 4.35% lactose. The west Cork co-ops continue to lead the way.

Remember conditional bonuses are not included in this league ranking as the objective is to try and compare the prices on a like-for-like basis. So the farmer might actually get more in their milk cheque if they achieve all the quality parameters.

In division two, Lakeland, Aurivo and LacPatrick continue to hold the middle ground ahead of the big players Kerry, Dairygold, and Glanbia. The competition for milk in the northern half of the country is keeping processors on edge.

Division three contains all the milk processors with a milk price under €4.30 per kilo milk solids.

Of the big players, Kerry leads the third division slightly ahead of Dairygold and Glanbia. There really is nothing between these three big players on price.

Remember these big players remain over 0.3c/kg MS (2.5c/l in old money) behind the west Cork co-ops.

The bottom line is the gap that was there in August remains for September. As you can see in Figure 1, if we use national average milk solids, the Drinagh milk cheque for September comes in at €16,199 for the average herd while Glanbia and Centenary Thurles are €1,300 behind closer to €14,900.

Remember, September is still a relatively big milk supply month for spring milk-producing dairy farmers.

Average September price

The average price for the main table is €4.38/kg MS, which is equivalent to about 31.2c/l at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat ex-VAT.

Weighted for volumes per processor (because only 5% of national milk is in west Cork) the average is probably closer to €4.28, so in effect the base price ex-VAT at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat is closer to 30 c/litre ex-VAT.