ONE of the leaders in the Cumbrian dairy industry, farmer’s co-operative, First Milk has announced that it is holding its member milk price for May.

This means that its milk price from May 1 will be 26.75ppl for a liquid standard litre and 27.63ppl on a manufacturing standard litre, both including our member premium.

Jim Baird, farmer director and vice-chairman, said: “The current situation is uncertain, as no-one can predict what the overall impact of COVID-19 will be on society at large, or on milk prices.

“International dairy commodity markets have weakened, and the foodservice sector is shutdown, yet most of our customers are focused on retail markets, which are seeing strong demand due to concerns over food availability.

“There is no room for complacency in the current circumstances and we have reviewed and strengthened our contingency plans across the business and, so far, our sites are operating in line with our business plan. Throughout our supply chain – from farmer members to hauliers and First Milk colleagues – everyone is working tirelessly in difficult circumstances to play our part in feeding the nation and I want to thank everyone involved for all their support.We are well-placed and will continue to do all that we can to minimise the risk to future returns for our members in these challenging times.”

This follows the announcement by the owners’ of the Lake District Creamery at Aspatria, that it would be holding its April farmgate milk price, however total member returns would increase as its member premium was increasing from 0.25ppl to 0.5ppl for members who have reached their capital target.