The board of Lakeland Dairies has set a new price for milk supplied in October, reflecting an increase in the base price from the previous month.

In the Republic of Ireland (ROI), a base price of 49.6 cents per litre (cpl) will be paid for October milk at constituents of 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein, including a 0.5cpl Sustainability Incentive Payment. This marks a rise of 0.6cpl from September.

For Northern Ireland (NI), a base price of 40.8 pence per litre (ppl) is set for October milk, which also includes a 0.5ppl Sustainability Incentive Payment. This is an increase of 0.5ppl compared to September.

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According to Lakeland Dairies, ‘the global dairy markets, having strengthened through quarter three, have stabilised in recent weeks with the supply and demand dynamic largely in balance’. The processor has committed to closely monitoring the markets and supporting its farmers as much as possible.

Last month, Lakeland Dairies introduced a dairy feed support initiative to assist farm suppliers over the winter. The rebate is aimed at supporting liquid and winter milk producers during early and mid-lactation and helping spring-calving herds manage the winter dry period effectively.

Lakeland explained that the initiative is intended to help all herds formulate balanced diets after a challenging growing season. Under this program, a €30/t rebate will apply to all Lakeland Dairies’ dairy manufactured feed purchased by milk suppliers from November 2024 through February 2025. Rebates are also available for suppliers buying straight feeds.