The co-operative has added a further 3.15ppl for October (Photo: First Milk)
First Milk will raise its October manufacturing standard litre to 39p per litre after announcing a further 3.15ppl increase for members.
The farmer-owned co-operative has also added another 1ppl to its September price from 1 September 2026.
That takes First Milk’s total September increase to 3ppl, following a previously announced 2ppl rise.
The September manufacturing standard litre now stands at 35.85ppl, including the member premium.
The further October increase will lift that to 39ppl from 1 October, also including the member premium.
The announcement comes as prolonged dry weather continues to put pressure on forage stocks and feed costs across parts of the dairy sector.
First Milk farmer director and vice-chairman Mike Smith said: “We are very aware of the difficult conditions on farm, with the prolonged dry weather in many areas putting pressure on forage stocks and adding to feed costs and the day-to-day challenge of herd management.”
He said the co-operative remained focused on improving returns to members when stronger business performance and market conditions allowed.
Smith added: “Our priority remains clear: to deliver the best possible returns to our members.”
The latest move takes First Milk’s total September increase to 3ppl, before a further 3.15ppl uplift takes effect in October.
First Milk’s announcement comes amid wider movement in October milk prices.
MĂĽller is raising its qualifying supplier rate by 2ppl from 1 October, taking the price to 37ppl for farmers meeting the conditions of the MĂĽller Advantage programme.
Freshways is also increasing its standard milk price by 6ppl from October, taking its rate to 38ppl.
The headline rates are not directly comparable because processors use different milk specifications, premiums and supply conditions.
Even so, the latest announcements point to a firmer October milk price round at a time when many producers are dealing with tighter forage supplies and higher feed costs.