Dairy Farmers Need Maximum Returns for June Milk – IFA Dairy Chair
As Co-Op boards meet to set the June Milk Price, IFA Dairy Chair Martin McElearney urges Co-Ops to pay the maximum return possible to its suppliers.
“This isn’t the year for Co-Ops to set aside money or advance repayments. This is the year to return every cent possible to the farmer,” he said.
“Farmers are eating into their reserves and reaching their credit limits, and at an alarming rate. Due to weather, we have experienced much higher feed costs so far in 2026. When this is combined with the higher fuel, electricity and labour costs experienced on farms the profitability of farms is significantly challenged.”
As global milk supply remains buoyant, the opportunity for any upward correction to milk price remains limited.
“We need our processors to box clever and manage their own costs and facilities better to support farmers,” he added.
“I don’t think anyone should underestimate just how challenging the environment is right now for dairy farmers. We need a better return for our milk,” the IFA Dairy Chair concluded.
