Inside Milk
British milk production increases lead
The dairy farmers in England have significantly increased milk production in September compared to last year. Irish dairy farmers, on the other hand, are now milking exactly at last year's level. This is according to new figures from the European Commission.
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British dairy farmers produced 1,21 million tonnes of milk in September. This is slightly less than last month, although this is in line with the seasonal trend. Compared to last year, a difference of approximately 2,3% is visible, because milk production in September was 1,18 million tons. The 5-year average for the same month is also 1,81 million tons.
It is striking that so much milk has never been produced in the month of September. The year 2015 comes closest. In that year, 1,20 million tons of milk was produced in September. If we look at the seasonal trend, production in England is expected to increase slightly next month.
Ireland follows 2018 trend
While dairy farmers in England have accelerated, dairy farmers in Ireland are taking a step back. Milk production for the month of September amounts to 744.300 tons of milk, which is only 0,1% more than in the same month last year. Last month the difference with 1 year earlier was still 2%.
Irish dairy farmers are still milking more than in previous years. The 5-year average for this month is 676.830 tons, which is approximately 9,8% less than this year. In 2017, 673.370 tonnes were produced in September, which is 10,5% less than this year. If we look at the seasonal trend, it is expected that milk supply will continue to decline until the end of the year.