Carbery Raises October Milk Price Amid Stable Dairy Demand

If this adjustment is mirrored across the four west Cork co-ops—Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh, and Lisavaird—it will result in an average milk price of 51.75c/L, inclusive of VAT. This figure also accounts for a 0.5c/L somatic cell count (SCC) bonus and the FutureProof sustainability bonus, both excluding VAT.

A Carbery spokesperson highlighted the factors underpinning the increase:
“Prices continue to be supported by current dairy market performance, particularly in butter and cheese, while demand remains steady. Carbery will continue to monitor markets closely to maximise returns for our shareholders.”

Market Dynamics and Peer Pricing
The announcement aligns with increases by other processors in the region:

• Dairygold raised its milk price by 1c/L to 49c/L, inclusive of VAT, sustainability, and quality bonuses. This equates to an average farm gate price of 65.2c/L, based on October milk solids achieved by suppliers.
• Kerry Dairy Ireland announced a payment of 48.5c/L, including VAT, for October supplies at 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat. This marks consecutive monthly increases fr om 47.75c/L in September, 45.25c/L in August, and 44c/L in July.
• Lakeland Dairies will pay a base price of 49.6c/L, including a 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment. This represents a 0.6c/L increase compared to September.
• Steady Market Conditions

The October price adjustments reflect stability in global dairy markets, particularly for butter and cheese, wh ere demand remains consistent. Processors continue to leverage market conditions to deliver value to their suppliers, with sustainability and quality incentives playing a growing role in overall payouts.

As processors like Carbery maintain a focus on maximising returns for shareholders, the outlook for dairy pricing remains cautiously optimistic amid steady market performance.