Most co-ops have held their milk prices for March supplies. This week, Arrabawn (30.12c/l), Dairygold (29.77c/l) and Aurivo (30.62c/l) all held their prices, excluding VAT.

The boards of Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird met on Tuesday and also decided to hold the March price at 30.73c/l. Drinagh approved 2016 bonuses of 0.25c/l on milk, €10/t on ruminant feed and €7.50/t on fertiliser.

Meanwhile, the Global Dairy Trade auction recorded its third consecutive increase this week. Prices rose 3.1% at the auction, with average prices of $3,139/t. Prices for skim milk power were up by 7.1%, while cheddar prices increased by 6%. Whole milk powder prices were up 3.5%.

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