This means that its liquid standard litre will increase to 28.0ppl, while its manufacturing standard litre will increase to 28.93ppl, both including the member premium.
The Co-operative, owners of Lake District Creamery at Aspatria, also confirmed that for the milk year commencing April 1, 2021, its member premium will remain at the current level of 0.5ppl for members who have reached their capital target. It currently has around 250 Cumbrian producers on its books.
Robert Craig, First Milk farmer director and vice-chairman and Ainstable dairy farmer, said: “Uncertainty in dairy markets has continued as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions across Europe and the lack of clarity on the UK’s trading relationship with the EU beyond the end of December.
“While these challenges may impact future returns, First Milk has continued to perform well, and we remain focussed on passing back as much as we can afford in the milk price.
“In this time of ambiguity, we know our members value stability, which is why we are also pleased to confirm that our member premium will continue at the current rate in the next milk year.”
Meanwhile, Arla Foods’ on-account prices for conventional and organic milk will remain unchanged this month, which means manufacturing price for conventional milk will remain at 30.66 pence per litre and the organic price 39.02 ppl for Arla’s farmer owners in the county.
Arla says that the effects of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic were being felt in the markets.
