Carbery Group has announced that its average milk price for supplies in December will be reduced compared to the figure for November milk.

The processor has set its price for last month's milk, saying that, if that decision is replicated across the four west Cork co-ops of Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird, it will result in an average milk price of 36.7c/L.

This will be inclusive of VAT, a 0.88c/L SCC (somatic cell count) bonus and FutureProof sustainability bonus of 1.25c/L.

The processor said that the average price is a reduction of 2.5c/L from November.

The SCC, the FutureProof bonus, and the actual value of the milk price change (2.5c/L) are quoted excluding VAT.

Commenting on the milk price for December, a spokesperson for Carbery Group said: “The pressure on international dairy markets, driven by continued strong global milk supply, continues.

"Carbery remains committed to paying the best possible milk price based on market returns and we are closely observing market developments," the spokesperson said.

Milk price

Carbery Group is the latest processor to announce its price for December milk, with several of the other main processors already confirming their offerings to farmer suppliers.

On Friday (January 16), the Dairygold board confirmed it has maintained the December quoted milk price at 36c/L.

The price is inclusive of sustainability and quality payments and VAT.

Also last week, Kerry Dairy Ireland confirmed its milk price for supplies delivered during December.

The dairy processor confirmed that it will pay milk suppliers 34.5c/L, including VAT, quality and sustainability bonuses.

This marks a 3c/L cut to Kerry Dairy Ireland's milk price when compared with the price for November.

Lakeland Dairies, meanwhile, confirmed a reduction in the price that farmers will receive for milk supplied in December.

The Lakeland board agreed a price of 33.25c/L - based on 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein - for December milk in the Republic of Ireland, which is inclusive of the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment.

This represents a reduction of 3c/L on the price paid in November, which was 36.25c/L.

In Northern Ireland, Lakeland Dairies will pay a price of 26.3p/L for milk supplied in December, which is also inclusive of the Sustainability Incentive Payment.

This is a reduction of 2.5p/L on the price paid in November, which was 28.8p/L.