Dairygold has said it will maintain the January quoted milk price at 36c/L.

This is based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, inclusive of sustainability and quality payments and VAT.

In addition, Dairygold’s early calving payment for January is 7.3c/L, including VAT, which will be paid on milk supplied in the month at standard constituents and in accordance with milk quality criteria.

This increases the attainable Dairygold milk price to 43.3c/L at standard constituents, the board said.

The January milk price equates to an average farm gate milk price of 53.3c/L for the month, based on the average milk solids, achieved by suppliers.

The quoted milk price for January, based on EU standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat, is 47.5c/L, including the early calving payment and inclusive of VAT.

Global milk supply

Commenting on the board’s decision, Dairygold chairperson, Pat Clancy said that dairy market fundamentals "remain largely unchanged".

"Global milk supply continues to be strong, with no signs of supply scarcity," he said.

"There has been some upward movement in commodity prices observed in recent weeks, with a limited return of buyers to the market to secure supplies following a very quiet Q4 2025.

"Overall sentiment remains cautious in light of the sustained high levels of global milk supply.

"The Dairygold board continues to monitor markets closely and will review milk price on a monthly basis.”

Payment values

In 2026, the milk solids supplied will now be taken into consideration when completing payment for the following three ancillary payments: balanced scorecard payment; early calving payment; and grassroots payment.

Dairygold said the payment value will be adjusted to reflect actual milk solids supplied, compared to the base constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat.

All other existing terms and criteria apply.

"These changes have been put in place to recognise and reward milk suppliers based on their milk solids," Dairygold said.

"For example, a milk supplier providing 10,000L in January 2026 with Dairygold’s average constituents for the month, would gain €184 (including VAT) as a result of these adjustments."