‘Now is the time’ for North Cork farmers on milk prices

A farming leader has called on milk purchasers to show confidence and intent on the improved conditions on prices.

Ger Quain, Chairman of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee said ‘now is that time’ for North Cork farmers to be rewarded.

Mr Quain also noted that April-May-June peak production period will now be given a strong milk price.

“Numerous indicators are showing that a milk price increase is fully justified from milk purchasers in the coming days: the Ornua PPI is at its highest level in 12 months and has increased over 1.5cpl in 2021 alone without even considering the value-added component of the Index.

“The significant increase in the GDT is simply following a trend where 11 out of the last 12 results have seen positive GDT returns since last September.

“The most recent double-digit surge was higher than expected, but it is by no means an outlier in terms of the trend or direction of milk price and reflects a similar trend for European milk products.”

The Dairy Committee chairman said that the latest Fonterra decision to increase milk price is also significant and sees its forecast increase by almost nine percent since the start of 2021.

“Dutch dairy quotes have followed the momentum coming from the southern hemisphere where the industry standard Butter/SMP combination is up almost 4cpl in the last 10 weeks, the WMP is up over 3cpl in that same timeframe”, Mr Quain said.

“Dairy markets have moved on significantly since the start of 2021 and a base price of at least 34 cpl should be the target for all milk processors for February milk.

“The latest data points unmistakably to a strong price base for April-May-June peak production and we expect a significant step to be taken with February milk price”, he added.