Lakeland Dairies Leads the Way with End-of-Year Milk Bonus

In a statement regarding the final month of 2024 Milk Prices, Noel Murphy, Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee, acknowledged the positive move by Lakeland Dairies to pay a bonus of 0.8cpl on all milk supplied in 2024. Despite the challenges experienced in the first eight months of the year due to adverse weather conditions and a shortage of fodder, this bonus represents a significant step forward.

Mr. Murphy emphasized the importance of this bonus during the busiest period for farmers, as many engage in intensive calving over the next two months. He noted, "This bonus is equivalent to €4,000 for a supplier of 500,000 liters. Should other Co-op milk purchasers follow suit, it could result in a €68 million cash injection for farmers, boosting the local Irish economy by over €150 million."

ICMSA urges all Co-ops and milk purchasers to recognize this need and reward farmers correspondingly, reinforcing their essential contributions to local communities, particularly during recent adverse weather conditions.