The Dairygold board today (Friday, January 16) confirmed it has has maintained the December 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.

According to Dairygold the December price equates to an average December farm gate price of 47.4c/L - based on the average December 2025 milk solids, achieved by Dairygold milk suppliers.

The Dairygold board outlined that at EU standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat, the quoted milk price for December is 39.4c/L, inclusive of VAT.

According to Pat Clancy, Dairygold's chair, dairy market sentiment "remains very subdued".

He also pointed to "strong global milk supply" across all main exporting regions which is continuing to outpace demand.

"An adjustment in the fundamental supply and demand dynamics will be necessary to alter the current market outlook and enhance sentiment.

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

Milk supplied

Confirmation by the Dairygold board of what farmers will receive for December milk supplies comes after Kerry Dairy Ireland confirmed earlier this week that it will pay milk suppliers 34.5c/L - including VAT, quality and sustainability bonuses - for December milk.

This marks a 3c/L cut when compared with November. Last month, the processor paid suppliers 37.5c/L.

Meanwhile Lakeland Dairies also confirmed a reduction in the price it will pay its farmers for milk supplied in December.

The processor has 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.

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.