Lakeland Dairies' milk prices continue to fall

Dairy farmers supplying Lakeland Dairies will receive a base price of 4 cents less per litre for their November milk than they did in October.

Highlighting a "surge in output" globally, the co-op's board set a price of 36.25c/l (3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein) for November milk in the Republic, which is inclusive of the 0.5c/l Sustainability Incentive Payment. This is a reduction of 4c/l on the price paid in October.

The move follows a 4c/l cut and a 3c/l cut in the two previous months. Farmers had received 47.25c/l for their milk in August.

The Lakeland Dairies Board explain that for the November price, qualifying farmers will also receive an out-of-season payment on top of the base price.

To help and support farmers through the current market challenges, the Co-operative will pay a loyalty payment of 0.3c/l on all 2025 milk supplies in the Republic of Ireland and a loyalty payment of 0.25p/l in the North. The payment will be included with the December milk cheque in January.

In the North, a price of 28.8p/l will be paid for milk supplied in November which is also inclusive of the Sustainability Incentive Payment. This is a reduction of 3.5ppl on the price paid in October.

"Market conditions continue to put significant pressure on farmgate prices. Global dairy supply continues to grow strongly with major exporting regions driving continued production increases. This surge in output is outpacing weakened demand and creating an imbalance that is putting significant pressure on farmgate prices and affecting all dairy categories including, powders, butter and cheese."