Dairygold has today (Tuesday, March 18), announced that its quoted milk price for February has again remained unchanged at 50c/L.

This price is based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, including sustainability and quality bonuses, and VAT.

The processor said that the February early calving bonus of 5.26c/L, including VAT, will be paid on milk supplied in February, in accordance with milk quality criteria.

This will increase the attainable Dairygold milk price to 55.26c/L, at standard constituents.

Today's announcement equates to an average February farm gate milk price of 63.4c/L, based on the average February 2025 milk solids, achieved by Dairygold milk suppliers.

The quoted milk price for February, based on EU Standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat, is 59.7c/L, including the early calving bonus and inclusive of VAT.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: “Dairy markets are generally stable, with strong demand for butter and cheese, and somewhat weaker demand for milk powders.

"Milk production remains stable, but buyers remain cautious in advance of the EU peak milk supply, while the threats of tariffs overhang the whole market.

"The Dairygold board continues to monitor markets closely and will review milk price on a monthly basis."

On Friday (March 14), Kerry Dairy Ireland confirmed the price it will pay suppliers for milk delivered in February.

The processor said that the milk price for February milk supplies is 52.47c/L, including VAT.

Kerry Dairy Ireland noted that this is inclusive of a base-price top-up of 1c/L, including VAT, quality and sustainability bonuses.

Lakeland Dairies previously announced that it was reducing its base milk price for milk supplied in February, while providing a calving bonus of 2c/L for Republic of Ireland suppliers.

The board of the processor has agreed on a base price of 48.75c/L based on constituents of 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein.

This price is inclusive of the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. This price is down by 1c/L from the price offered for January milk.

The processor added that all suppliers will “automatically” receive a 2c/L early calving bonus. Meanwhile, qualifying farmers will also receive a 5c/L out-of-season payment.

In Northern Ireland, Lakeland confirmed a base price of 39.8p/L will be paid for milk supplied in February which is inclusive of the 0.5p/l Sustainability Incentive Payment.

This base price has also been reduced by 1p/L from last month. The 3p/L out-of-season payment will be made on top of the base price.