Inside Milk
British and Irish fanciers increase lead
Dairy farmers in the United Kingdom and Ireland once again significantly expanded milk production in July. This increases both countries' lead on last year and the 5-year average, according to new figures from the European Commission.
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For July, UK dairy farmers produced 1,29 million tonnes of milk, which is around 2,4% above the level of the same month last year. Compared to the 5-year average (1,26 million tons), an increase of just over 2,5% is visible. The decrease by last month is easily explained, because during this period of the year the milk supply almost always shows a decrease.
It is striking that the decline this year is slightly less strong than in previous years, meaning that British fanciers are increasing their lead over last year and the 5-year average. Production usually increases again from September onwards, but it is still uncertain whether that will also happen this year. All the uncertainty surrounding the Proposed referendum on United Kingdom membership of the European Union may have an effect on milk prices in the long term.
Ireland is also expanding its lead
Dairy farmers in Ireland also produced more in July than in the same month last year. Irish milk supply this year amounts to 970.340 tonnes, compared to 878.780 tonnes last year (a difference of 10%). The 5-year average is 869.560 tonnes, meaning Irish dairy farmers produced approximately 11,5% more in July this year.
If we look at the seasonal development of the Irish milk supply, then it will be synchronous with last year's line and that of the 5-year average. It is striking that production showed a small increase in August last year. Whether that will also happen this year remains to be seen.