Influential Co-Ops must set supportive tone for April milk price - Phelan

IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Tom Phelan today ( Wednesday) said that the first milk purchasing co-ops to set the April milk price over the coming days have a responsibility to all milk producers to set a supportive tone for the April milk price.

“At last week’s National Dairy Committee meeting, members commented very critically on how some of the largest milk purchasers, who set milk prices earliest each month, use their influence on milk prices. I call on all co-ops this month to prove them wrong, and to continue to support milk prices in spite of challenging – though improving – market returns,” Mr Phelan said.

“Co-ops have already cut their base price significantly in March and, as they supported the March pay-outs, this will only now hit farmers. Poor grass growth conditions well into April and contin- ued fodder shortages will depress milk cheques through lower volumes and poorer constituents,” he warned.

“I have written to all co-ops this month, on behalf of the Committee, and expect this letter to be read out at every board meeting over the coming days. I ask all board members to take on board the need to continue supporting milk prices to sustain farmers and supplies,” Tom Phelan concluded.