British and Irish milk less than last year

Dairy farmers in Ireland produced 637.220 tonnes of milk in October, according to new figures provided by the country to the European Commission. This is approximately 3,7% less than last year (661.080 tons). Compared to the 5-year average (583.110 tons), an increase of approximately 9,2% can be seen. In addition, Irish milk production is also higher this year than in 2016 and 2017.

When we look at the seasonal trend of milk production in Ireland, it is clearly visible that the supply to the all time low from January. That low point was 166.560 tons last year. The 5-year average for the month of January is 154.070 tons. It remains to be seen where the milk supply will head this year.

British milk supply lower than last year
UK dairy farmers produced less milk in October this year than last year. The milk supply for that month amounts to 1,22 million tons, which is approximately 0,6% less than last year (1,23 million tons). On the other hand, British dairy farmers have produced more than the 5-year average of 1,21 million tonnes (+1,2%). It is striking that a small recovery was visible last month, compared to last month.

The fact that slightly less milk was produced in the United Kingdom than in 2018 is partly because the dairy herd in the country has decreased. Out new figures shows that the dairy herd will amount to 1 million animals as of October 1,75, which is 2,4% less than last year. Over the past 5 years, the number of dairy cows has decreased by an average of 0,9% annually. The largest decline was observed in cows aged 2 to 4 years, as that category accounted for 88% of the total decline.

If we look at the seasonal trend, milk production is expected to decline slightly again next month. Last year, milk production in November amounted to approximately 1,20 million tons. The end of the year is expected to end slightly higher.