Tirlán has confirmed that it will pay a total of 37.08c/L, including VAT, for March milk supplies.

The processor has also announced today (Wednesday, April 15) it is committed to maintaining that price for April and May, "subject to any unforeseen events".

In a statement, the Kilkenny-based co-op said the three-month price commitment aims to provide "greater certainty and market visibility for Tirlán milk suppliers as they move into the peak milk supply period, against a backdrop of continued pressure from challenging farm input costs".

"While current market returns are below this price level, the board has taken a decision to set a milk price ahead of the market, in order to support milk suppliers and provide greater certainty over the peak milk production period," the statement added.

Tirlán

The March milk price from Tirlán consists of the following:

Base milk price of 36.58c/L (including VAT), an increase of 1c/L from the February base price;
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.

According to the processor, the actual average price paid by Tirlán for March creamery milk, based on delivered constituents, will be 41.48c/L (including VAT).

Tirlán added that this month’s milk payment reflects the reduced VAT Flat Rate Addition which applies for payments made after January 1, 2026.

The board has decided that Tirlán will continue to absorb the impact of this VAT rate change for the remainder of the year.

Milk price

Tirlán chair John Murphy said that the co-op recognised the importance of stability and confidence for members at a critical time of the year.

"We are very conscious of the ongoing cost pressures facing our milk suppliers and of the need for greater certainty as we approach peak production.

"By setting a three-month milk price, Tirlán is providing welcome clarity and confidence for our members," he added.

Murphy said that Tirlán will "continue to focus on maximising returns from the marketplace and any improvements in returns will ultimately be returned to our farmers".

Support package

In December, Tirlán Co-op announced a €5.5 million Dairy Support Package aimed at supporting milk suppliers through the early stages of the 2026 lactation.

Rebates are available to Tirlán milk suppliers who spent at least 5c/L with their co-op in 2025, or who do so in 2026.

The rebates apply to purchases of dairy feed, calf milk replacer, Irish rolled cereal and straights.

The rebates will be paid into qualifying farmers’ trading accounts in the second quarter of 2026.

A second payment run will be made before year end for those who qualify based on their 2026 trade.

As part of the support package, anti-parasitic prescriptions from Tirlán Co-op will be provided free of charge for all of 2026.