Tirlán's €4.5 Million Boost for Dairy Farmers Amid Challenging Conditions

Tirlán, a prominent player in the dairy sector, has introduced a significant €4.5 million support package for its dairy farmers. This initiative is designed to provide a 0.75 cents per liter (cpl) bonus, including VAT, on all milk volumes supplied during May. The package is structured to be inclusive, ensuring that all liquid milk pools, creamery lines, and pre-existing fixed-milk price contracts benefit uniformly from the financial top-up.

The decision to implement the bonus was made to enhance cash flow velocity into rural bank accounts during a critical production phase. John Murphy, chairperson of Tirlán, highlighted the package as a crucial step in supporting primary producers. This move comes in response to a challenging spring season marked by persistent rainfall, localized waterlogging, and delayed pasture growth. These conditions forced many farmers to incur unforeseen management expenses, especially for supplemental feed concentrates and extended indoor housing.

Additionally, Tirlán has set its baseline milk price framework for May, maintaining returns to ensure farmgate predictability. The company offers a base milk price of 42.58 cpl (including VAT) for manufacturing milk with standard constituents of 3.6% protein and 4.2% butterfat. Combined with the specialized weather support bonus, the total gross payment to uncontracted suppliers reaches 43.33 cpl, providing a robust buffer to protect farm gate profitability.

This comprehensive support package acknowledges the heavy agronomic inputs required due to adverse weather and recognizes the resilience demonstrated by Tirlán's cooperative members during this challenging period.