Dairy Council Report February 2024

1. Policy proposals for approval by National Council 

Since the last in person council meeting, council members have approved the updated calf husbandry policy which was subsequently published on the 14^th December 2023.  

2. Market Report (if relevant) 

The global dairy market is generally stable albeit we have seen weaker quotes on the futures market in the past 2 weeks. Global milk supply is expected to remain relatively flat in 2024 which will underpin prices. However, it is difficult to determine milk price outlook beyond Q1 given weak Chinese demand and political unrest in the Middle East which could dampen demand and/or cause supply chain issues.  

December Farm Gate prices at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat.  

Processor	PROTEIN €/kg	c/L protein value	FAT €/kg	c/L fat value	VOLUME CHARGE	A+B-C	Bonus	VAT exclusive	VAT	VAT inclusive
TIRLAN	7.21	24.51	3.61	13.37	4.00	33.88	4.29	38.17	1.91	40.07
ARRABAWN	7.35	24.96	3.63	13.44	3.35	35.05	2.11	37.16	1.78	38.94
DRINAGH	6.71	22.81	4.47	16.59	3.55	35.85	0.88	36.73	1.84	38.56
BANDON CO-OP	6.77	23.02	4.52	16.74	4.00	35.76	0.88	36.64	1.83	38.47
LISAVAIRD	6.71	22.81	4.47	16.59	3.70	35.70	0.88	36.58	1.83	38.41
BARRYROE	6.77	22.99	4.51	16.72	4.00	35.71	0.88	36.59	1.76	38.35
TIPPERARY CO-OP	6.33	21.51	4.22	15.64	4.00	33.15	3.25	36.40	1.75	38.14
STRATHROY	7.44	25.27	3.90	14.44	4.00	35.71	0.15	35.86	1.79	37.66
LAKELAND	7.36	25.00	3.75	13.89	3.50	35.38	0.00	35.38	1.77	37.15
AURIVO	6.77	23.02	4.35	16.12	3.81	35.32	0.00	35.32	1.70	37.02
DAIRYGOLD	6.74	22.89	4.12	15.26	4.00	34.16	1.05	35.21	1.69	36.90
NORTH CORK	6.93	23.55	4.16	15.42	4.00	34.97	0.20	35.17	1.69	36.85
KERRY	6.53	22.20	4.36	16.15	4.00	34.35	0.50	34.85	1.67	36.52

3. Activity since last National Council 

Launch of the Dairy Beef Action plan – Consultation phase  

In January DAFM launched the Ten Point Action Plan on supporting Dairy Calf to Beef systems in Ireland which is open for consultation until February 9^th 2024. Unfortunately the plan contains no commitment from DAFM to provide greater supports for this livestock production system. At present the maximum support for rearing dairy beef calves is capped at €1000 under the National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme. Greater supports must be provided by DAFM to support dairy beef production in Ireland.  

4. Any EU/COPA developments 

Nitrates Directive Review  

The EU have opened a consultation process to review the effectiveness of the Nitrates Directive which will close March 8^th 2024.  

Commission Proposals – Animal Welfare during transport.  

In December the Commission published its proposals for review regarding animal welfare during transport. While it does accommodate journey times by sea, other requirements, such as feeding intervals times and space requirements, if passed in their current formal, could make the live export of calves unviable. It is essential that amendments to the current proposals are achieved when they go to plenary session.  

Agriculture Water Quality Group 

This group has just finalised its recommendations for the NAP interim review. They include amongst others, a 5% reduction in chemical fertiliser allowances, the use of clover in reseeds on all farms and the option to reduce nitrogen excretion rates of cows through the use of lower crude protein concentrates.  

5. Upcoming issues 

Nitrates Interim Review – Consultation phase  

Milk Price Analysis 2023 likely to be published in early March.