First Milk has chosen to keep milk prices unchanged from March, providing some stability for farmers as other parts of the dairy sector come under new pressure on profits.
The Dairy Co-operative has confirmed that milk prices will remain unchanged at 30.25p per standard liter produced, including member premium, from 1 March 2026.
The decision comes amid continued volatility in the dairy market as falling commodity prices and rising costs continue to weigh on Farmgate’s profits.
Commenting on the move, Mike Smith, director and vice chairman of First Milk Farmers, said the cooperative is focused on protecting the values of its members in difficult circumstances.
“In a market that remains highly volatile and challenging, we remain focused on improving efficiency, reducing costs and maximizing market returns from our members’ milk,” he said.
“These priorities remain at the heart of how we support our members through this difficult time.”
This price maintenance is in contrast to developments elsewhere in the sector, where some processors have moved to lower prices in response to market pressures.
Muller becomes the latest major buyer to announce lower milk prices, raising concerns among dairy farmers as margins tighten.
Suppliers who meet the Müller Advantage Program criteria will be paid 34.5p per liter from March.
This represents a one-person reduction from previous prices and follows a broader downward correction trend in parts of the dairy market.
For First Milk members, the decision to maintain prices provides short-term certainty and helps farmers plan cash flow and manage costs as markets remain volatile.
With further developments expected across the industry, dairy producers will be watching closely to see whether prices stabilize or come under further pressure in the coming months.
