Monaghan IFA Dairy Committee Chairman Seamus Brennan said the increase in
the February top ups for both SMP and butter, as announced by the Irish
Dairy Board to co-ops, amounted to a 2.9c/l increase in the IDB index to
37.83c/l (at 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat).  He said this confirmed
exactly what IFA predicted earlier this month.
“Our analysis of the market return improvements during February and our call
for a 3c/l price lift in the February milk price to 33c/l + VAT were clearly
correct, as confirmed today by the Irish Dairy Board announcement.”
Seamus Brennan said, “Most co-operative boards have yet to sit down to
decide on the price they will pay for February milk.  They should ignore the
premature and insufficient decisions taken by both Glanbia and Kerry, and
lift their February milk price by at least 3 cents per litre to 33 c/l +
VAT.  Meanwhile, Glanbia and Kerry need to revisit their decision at the
earliest opportunity, to make sure their suppliers are not left short.”

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