Dairygold has confirmed the milk price it will pay for supplies in April, opting to hold its price, while also announcing a deferral of shareholding deductions for 2026 for members below the minimum shareholding.

The board of Dairygold has maintained its April quoted milk price at 37c/L, based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat.

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

The April milk price equates to an average farm gate milk price at 41.8c/L for the month, based on the average milk solids achieved by Dairygold milk suppliers, the business said.

Commenting on the current state of dairy markets, Dairygold chairperson Pat Clancy said: "Global milk supply growth continues to weigh on overall market returns. However, we have seen some encouraging signs in recent weeks, as protein markets continue to strengthen, although this is being offset by weaker returns from butter and cheese.

"The Dairygold board will continue to monitor markets closely and review milk price on a monthly basis," Clancy added.

Shareholding

Dairyhold has also announced that it is deferring shareholding deductions for the remainder of 2026 for members who are still in the process of attaining their minimum co-op shareholding.

The business said it took that decision "in recognition of the ongoing cost challenges at farm level".

Clancy said: "We are conscious of the current pressures facing members, and the board has taken this decision to provide practical support be deferring 'sharing up'.

"We will assess the position again later in the year," the Dairygold chairperson added.

Milk prices

In other recent milk price announcements, Tirlán said it will pay a total of 37.08c/L, including VAT, for April, in line with its three-month milk price commitment.

Tirlán's April milk price consists of a base milk price of 36.58c/L, including VAT, and a sustainability action payment of 0.5c/L, including VAT, to all qualifying suppliers.

The base price and sustainability action payment will be adjusted to reflect the actual constituents of milk delivered by suppliers, the processor said.