Dairy Council Report November 2023

1. Policy proposals for approval by National Council 

The Dairy Committee have made considerable revisions to the IFA Calf Welfare Policy Document to reflect the progress made in the area since the document was initially published in 2019. This will be presented to Council for approval.  

2. Market Report (if relevant) 

In a short period of time the global dairy market has rebounded from the downturn experienced during the summer which has resulted in the stabilisation of farm gate milk prices from the majority of milk processors for September. While the PPI for October has not been published yet a marginal increase in value is expected. After 4 consecutive positive results from the GDT, SMP is trading at €2523/tonne, Cheddar at €3661/tonne and Butter at €4688/tonne in the Oceania region. European quotes are somewhat similar with recent spot prices (3^rd Nov) valued at €4888/tonne of butter, €2570/tonne of SMP and €3580/tonne of cheese.  

The rebound in market prices is attributed to weaker supply than expected from NZ and France, a predicted flat supply in 2024, and a traditional bounce in buyer demand in the run up to Christmas.  

September 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 excl.	VAT	VAT incl.
DRINAGH	6.37	21.65	4.25	15.74	3.55	33.84	0.5	34.34	1.72	36.06
BANDON CO-OP	6.43	21.85	4.29	15.89	4	33.74	0.5	34.24	1.71	35.96
BARRYROE	6.43	21.84	4.29	15.88	4	33.72	0.5	34.22	1.71	35.94
LISAVAIRD	6.37	21.65	4.25	15.74	3.7	33.69	0.5	34.19	1.71	35.9
KERRY	6.36	21.61	4.24	15.72	4	33.33	0.5	33.83	1.69	35.52
ARRABAWN	6.98	23.71	3.44	12.77	3.35	33.13	0.2	33.33	1.67	35
AURIVO	6.26	21.27	3.71	13.75	3.81	31.21	1.5	32.71	1.64	34.34
TIPPERARY CO-OP	6.16	20.92	4.1	15.21	4	32.13	0.25	32.38	1.62	34
LAKELAND	6.79	23.07	3.46	12.82	3.5	32.38	0	32.38	1.62	34
NORTH CORK	6.41	21.77	3.84	14.25	4	32.03	0.2	32.23	1.61	33.84
DAIRYGOLD	6.14	20.85	3.75	13.9	4	30.76	1.05	31.81	1.59	33.4
TIRLAN	6.67	22.67	3.33	12.36	4	31.03	0.48	31.51	1.58	33.08

3. Activity since last National Council 

Bord Bia TAC  

The TAC has reconvened with the objective of revising the current SDAS and SBLAS.  So far, reviews of Module B – environmental stewardship and Module C – quality and traceability have taken place. Significant revisions have been made to the initial proposals within each module to make measures less onerous on farmers.  

Calf Stakeholder Forum  

The most recent meeting of the forum took place on the 27^th October. At this meeting DAFM proposals were tabled for discussion. DAFM have suggested an increase in the number of days a calf must remain on farms prior to sale which IFA oppose. Breeding strategies and calf husbandry will have a much greater impact on calf welfare outcomes than blanket changes to regulation. Hence, we have revised our calf policy document to promote actions at farm, industry and DAFM level which will have a practical benefit to calf welfare outcomes.  

4. Any EU/COPA developments 

A delegation will meet Commissioner Sinkevicius in early November to highlight the implications of the reduced stocking rate limit of 220kgN/ha limit in affected areas. The main purpose of this visit is to seek an extension in the introduction of this rule to avoid the slaughter of pregnant cows next Spring.  

5. Upcoming issues 

• Bord Bia TAC  – Mid November and December  
• Interim review of the NAP due to commence shortly.