Bel Leerdammer announces that it will further lower the milk price for February. The processor thus joins the ranks of processors who have previously announced that they will lower the price. However, the reduction appears to be much less drastic than that of DMK.
The valuation for fat decreases over February by €0,10 to €3,10 per kilo of fat. Protein takes a slightly larger step back and comes out at € 6,75 per kilo of protein. This means that the cheesemaker is still one of those with a higher appreciation for protein.
Milk price further down
The decreases have an impact on the milk price. This decreases by €1,82 to €35,72 per 100 kilos (at 4,41% fat, 3,47% protein and an annual supply of 600.000 kilos of milk). The price is also exclusive of VAT. This includes the ZuivelNL levy. Since not all dairy farmers use outdoor grazing, this premium is not included in the milk price. The quality premium is included in the milk price.
If we look at the Dutch average of 900.000 kilos of milk, the milk price comes out at €36,02 per 100 kilos. An annual supply of 1,1 million kilos of milk translates into a price of €36,14 per 100 kilos. With this, the cheese maker succeeds in paying a higher milk price than fellow cheese producer DOC Kaas.
Towards the end of February, the cheese market is somewhat more positive. Tighter inventories have contributed to this. This means that the starting point for the milk price is also better.
Premium for milk
At Bel Leerdammer, dairy farmers have the opportunity to earn a premium of €0,15 per 100 kilos through partial grazing. Full grazing yields €2. Another avenue to earn a premium is sustainability. This can result in a surcharge of €0,60 per 100 kilos.The milk price in February remains above the limit of €35 per 100 kilos.