July 2015 Newsletter

Milk Price & Supply

The milk price for the month of June is 29.00 cents per litre (131.84 cents per gallon) at 3.60% butterfat and 3.30% protein, including a bonus of 0.5 cents per litre for a Summer Somatic Cell Count of less than 200,000, an SDAS bonus of 0.15 cents per litre and including VAT at 5.2%.

Carbery reduced the milk price by 1.0 cent per litre bringing the price to 28.86 cents per litre. The Society’s board agreed to support the price by 0.14 cents per litre, bringing the base price to 29.00 cents per litre. It is envisaged that this price will hold for the next 2 to 3 months.

The average price paid for the month based on the average butterfat of 3.81% and protein of 3.42%, including SCC, SDAS bonuses and VAT is 30.46 cents per litre.

The milk supply for the month of June was 22,259,075 litres (4,896,329 gallons). This represents an increase of approx 9% on supply compared to June 2014.

Super Levy on Account

In order to spread the payment of the 2014/2015 Super Levy bill, a charge of 2.0 cents per litre will be debited to all accounts that were over quota at the end of March 2015 after the allocation of the internal flexi milk in the July milk statements. The balance of the Super Levy bill payable for 2015 will be charged in the August milk statements.

Accessing Drinagh Online Services

To assist any supplier who wishes to activate their Drinagh online login facilities Caroline Buttimer will be in Skibbereen Hardware on Thursday the 23^rd of July from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Suppliers can access their individual milk supply details and quality information, as well as trading account information online @ www.drinagh.com.

Caroline can also be reached at the central office on 028 30800 for help or information.

Feed Mill Extension

Construction work is ongoing at the mill. The steelwork is now complete and a number of mineral bins have been fitted. Work will commence on the blending plant in the next few weeks.

Share Farming Opportunity

Shinagh Estates Limited invites applications for a share farmer on their new 90 cow dairy unit in Gurteen Bandon.

The successful candidate will have to demonstrate sufficient technical and financial skills to operate a 90 cow dairy unit. It is planned that they will bring in the herd of cows, borrowing the money initially to buy the herd and paying off this loan over a short term (5 years), so they are availing of the most tax efficient method of increasing their equity (using stock relief).

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to share farm on a modern purpose built dairy unit. He or she will have responsibility for the operation of the farm and the profits and costs will be shared with the owners in line with the terms of a share farming agreement.

Apply to Pat Dineen, Shinagh Estates Limited, Shinagh, Bandon, in writing with your CV before 31^st July.

Drinagh Group at Carbery Milk Quality Awards

Drinagh Reseeding Demonstration

Drinagh Co-Op is hosting a reseeding demonstration on Wednesday 26^th August on the farm of David Finn, Church Cross, Skibbereen @ 1.30pm.

The topics to be discussed will cover reseeding benefits, soil fertility, choosing varieties and weed control. A number of machines will also be working on the day.

As well as running the demonstration a selection of trade stands will also be in attendance offering advice and information an all agri related issues. The trade stands will be located at the Ilen Rovers GAA grounds and making it an ideal opportunity to bring all the family for the day. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome to attend.