First Milk’s 800 suppliers will welcome news the board has decided to up its September milk price by 0.5p/L.
The increase, which will kick in on September 1, takes its milk price on a liquid standard litre to 28.5p/L for 4% butterfat, 3.3% protein, whilst on a manufacturing standard litre (4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein) the milk price will be 29.47p/L.
It follows a 0.8p/L increase for August and compares with 31.38p/L offered by Arla.
Commenting on the announcement, Jim Baird, farmer director and vice chairman, said: “We appreciate the additional costs that members are experiencing due to the adverse weather conditions and I am sure this increase will be welcomed in facing these challenges.
Whilst there continues to be conflicting messages on the overall market direction, we remain focused on growing our business and passing the benefits of this back to members.
First Milk has creameries on the Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran in Scotland; in the English Lake District and in the South West of Wales.
The firm produces a range of Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester, cheeses. The majority of its cheese is sold as high-quality block cheddar through partner Ornua.
In addition to producing cheese, First Milk also produces bulk butter, cream and whey proteins.
