Cheesemaker Barbers has announced its standard litre price will increase by at least 2.5p/litre for June.
This equates to a manufacturing standard litre price of 42.2p/litre, based on milkprices.com’s 4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein measure.
Based on average supply to Barbers during March of 4.57% butterfat and 3.47% protein, the new average price paid will be in excess of 44p/litre in June for its 155 Somerset and Devon farmer suppliers.
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A further review of prices is expected by the cheesemaker at the end of April, with the potential for additional price increases.
During March, the 30% of suppliers who were able to offer volumes above their base were paid 52.48p/litre for the excess supply, with prices based on the AHDB’s actual milk price equivalent.
Michael Masters, head of milk supply operations, said: “We continue to work closely with our domestic and global customers to explain and detail the enhanced value to dairy that is required to sustain longer-term supplies.�?
Barbers said that its decision to provide a mid-month price update, rather than an end of the month announcement, followed a review of dairy markets, looking at on-farm costs and the need to provide milk price confidence at this time of the year.
The June price equates to 40.78p/litre for a standard liquid litre of 4% butterfat and 3.3% protein, according to milkprices.com.
