April 2018 Newsletter

Milk Price

After milk price support of 2.0 cents per litre by Carbery the milk price for the month of March is unchanged at 35.21 cpl (160.06 cents per gallon) at 3.60% butterfat and 3.30% protein, including Summer Somatic Cell Count (SCC) bonus of 0.5 cpl and VATat 5.4%.

The average price paid for the month is 36.81 cents per litre. This is based on the average butterfat of 4.16% and protein of 3.17%, including SCC bonus and VAT. (please note the average price per litre quoted in this month’s statement is incorrect).

Milk supply for the first 3 months of 2018 is up 4.21% on the same period last year. Milk supplies for January and February 2018 were stronger than 2017 with March supply in 2018 the same as March 2017.

Carbery Bonus 2017

The 2017 Carbery bonus previously announced is paid on the March statement. The bonus is paid per kg of milk solids supplied in 2017 and is payable on variable price milk only.

March Feed Rebate

In view of exceptionally challenging weather conditions your board has announced a €20.00/tonne rebate on ruminant compounded feed for purchases during March with a €10.00/tonne rebate on mixes and €5.00 /tonne on straights.

2017 Drinagh Trading Bonus

At a recent Board meeting the bonuses for 2017 were approved. The Board agreed to pay 0.5 cents per litre on milk supplied in 2017 where purchases from the Society were greater than 7.0 cents per litre and 0.25 cents per litre where purchases were less than 7.0 cents per litre and greater than 5.0 cents per litre. No bonus is paid where purchases are less than 5.0 cents per litre.

A bonus of €7.50 per tonne of fertilizer and €10.00 per tonne of compounded ruminant feed purchased in 2017 was approved and a bonus of €5.00 on pig feeds & mixes and €2.50 on straights.

New Statement

A number of suppliers have queried where to find their average price per litre for the month on the new statement. The red box below indicates where the price per litre for the month is located on the statement. The price is located under the “CPL” column on the Total Milk Value line.

Farm Assist

by Joe Cronin of West Cork Development Partnership

For further information on supports available, and form filling contact joe@wcdp.ie, Joe Cronin of West Cork Development Partnership, on (086)1717592.

We see that across the country problems with weather, fodder crisis and the lack of growth is putting farmers under stress. These factors coupled with the ever increasing workload on farms are adding to farmers feeling under pressure at this time.
Cash flow may well be restricted due to increased costs and it may be worthwhile for people to checkout if they may be eligible for Farm Assist a scheme operated by Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Self-care is very important in that farmers while looking after livestock must also mind themselves.
Why not apply for Farm Assist? Farm Assist is a weekly payment designed to provide financial help to Farmers who find themselves on inadequate incomes. In order to qualify for Farm Assist you must be aged between 18 and 66 and satisfy a means test.

Here is a guide to income levels which may qualify you for a Farm Assist Payment.

Farmers should note the following about Farm Assist

• It is administered by Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
• Information disclosed to the department is confidential.
• The payment can be made directly into your bank account.
• Farmers can continue to work on the farm in the normal way.

Benefits of Farm Assist

• Weekly Payment.
• Opportunity to benefit on additional Schemes e.g.
• Rural Social Scheme, Community Employment, Back to Education.
• Benefit to Family,
• Recipient Families eligible for a wide range of supports in Education & Employment

Assessing your Income

Means test: The means test takes into account income from virtually all sources; sales, Farm payments and other income. Costs deducted include feed, fertilizer, contractor charges, interest on loans, fees, fencing repairs, tractor tax/insurance, maintenance.

Self -Employment: The income from farming and other forms of Self – Employment is added together and the costs involved are deducted. If you have dependent children, €254 per year for each of the first two dependent children and €381 per year for each subsequent child are deducted. You are then assessed on 70% of the remaining income.

Income from employment: Is treated differently, and depends on factors such as: number of hours worked per week, Family size.

First € 2,554 of Glas income disregarded, 50% of remainder is also disregarded.

REMINDER

Rebate announced for feed purchases during March 2017 Carbery Bonus paid on this month’s statement.