Stability in Milk Prices Amid Global Market Challenges for January 2026

In January 2026, Tirlán, Dairygold, and Lakeland Dairies confirmed they would hold the milk prices steady for their suppliers, providing a level of financial stability amid challenging market conditions. Tirlán announced a milk price of 43.08 cents per litre (cpl) for January creamery milk supplies, incorporating a base price of 35.58 cpl and additional payments for seasonality and sustainability, reaching an average of 52.36 cpl including VAT.

The Tirlán Board has further confirmed the milk price for February as well, subject to unforeseen events, with a planned seasonality bonus payment. According to Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy, this decision aims to provide price certainty across the three-month period from December to February.

Dairygold kept its January Quoted Milk Price at 36.0 cpl, which includes sustainability and quality payments, with an additional Early Calving Payment. The average farm gate milk price reached 53.3 cpl, based on average milk solids supplied.

Meanwhile, Lakeland Dairies announced a base price of 33.25 cpl, supplemented by a 2 cpl input support and a 1 cpl early calving bonus. This brings the minimum base price to 36.25 cpl, with further bonuses available for out-of-season supply.

A spokesperson for Lakeland Dairies noted that while global dairy markets show signs of stabilisation, conditions remain unpredictable. Both Tirlán and Dairygold have highlighted the importance of maintaining supplier support in light of these uncertainties.