Lakeland Dairies Confirms December Milk Price and Loyalty Payments

Lakeland Dairies has announced that it will maintain its milk price at 49.6c/L for supplies from the Republic of Ireland in December, which includes the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. Qualifying farmers are also set to receive an additional 5c/L out-of-season payment.

For suppliers in Northern Ireland, a base price of 40.8p/L will be maintained, inclusive of the 0.5p/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. An additional 3p/L out-of-season payment is also slated to be paid.

Furthermore, the loyalty payment announced last month will be disbursed at 0.8c/L in the Republic of Ireland and 0.65p/L in Northern Ireland for all milk supplied in 2024.

Despite recent market volatility, Lakeland Dairies reports that global dairy markets began 2025 in a state of relative stability, maintaining a balance between supply and demand. The processor promises to continue monitoring market conditions and supporting farmers.

In another significant move, Lakeland Dairies' chairperson has appealed to Ireland's government leaders to prioritize the greatest concerns of the dairy sector. Niall Matthews, in his communication to Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, emphasized the critical role of dairy farming in rural communities, pushing for pivotal issues such as the protection of nitrates derogation, generational renewal, and tackling tuberculosis to be included in the government's next program.