MANY Welsh dairy farmers are looking forward to receiving pay rises in the coming months.

Glanbia, which produces mozzarella at its plant in Llangefni, is leading the way with a 1.3ppl increase from June 1st. Also increasing their prices in June are Meadow Foods and Arla, who have both announced a 1.25ppl rise, along with the Muller Wiseman Group (1ppl) and Dairy Crest (1ppl for Davidstow contract and 1.5ppl on liquid contracts).

Meanwhile, First Milk has confirmed that while it is increasing the price paid to farmers for its liquid milk pool, farmers in its cheese and manufacturing pools will not receive a higher price.

Speculation had been rife that the farmer-owned co-operative was set to cut the price paid to farmers supplying its cheese pool by 1.5-2p/litre. This in turn was fuelling fears that other processors would follow suit and could prompt a new round of dairy protests.

However, First Milk chairman Bill Mustoe has written to members confirming that the price will not be cut.

Mr Mustoe said: “Having increased the price by 0.4ppl from April 1st, we are holding the manufacturing pool price at the current level of 28.9ppl.

“We continue to have discussions with all our main cheese customers, where they have demonstrated a good understanding of the current market environment.”

First Milk is increasing the standard litre price for its liquid milk pool by a penny to 30.65ppl from July 1st.