Kerry Dairy Ireland and Dairygold have both cut their prices for milk supplied in May.

Although this is the fourth consecutive drop in price at Kerry, the co-op still remains the highest of the four milk prices announced so far this month. Kerry’s May milk price for standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% buttermilk is 47.6c/l, including quality and sustainability bonuses but excluding VAT. This is a fall of 0.38c/l compared to last month’s price.

Meanwhile, based on standard constituents and with a sustainability and quality payment, the May milk price at Dairygold is 46.62c/l, excluding VAT. This price is 0.95c/l less than April milk.

Arrabawn Tipperary Co-op increased its milk price for May by 0.5c/l to 47.47c/l, excluding VAT. Lakeland Dairies has also increased its milk price for the first time since February, rising by 0.47c/l for all milk supplied in May.

The cross-border co-op is now paying 46.86c/l, excluding VAT.

Carbery has reduced its milk price for the month of May by 1c/l.

If this decision is replicated across the four west Cork co-ops; Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird, this will result in an average milk price of 48.59c/l, excluding VAT, but including a 0.5c/l SCC bonus and sustainability bonus.

A spokesperson for Carbery said while dairy markets remain relatively stable, geopolitical developments are creating uncertainty for buyers, while demand has weakened somewhat with supply projected to increase.

“We continue to monitor developments closely with the aim of maximising shareholder returns.”