Inside Milk
Irish milk production fails to sustain growth
In recent months the Irish milk supply has always been above the level of last year, in October there is a turnaround and milk production is lower than last year. British milk production, on the other hand, managed to surpass last year's level.
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Overall, there has been stable growth in milk production among Irish dairy farmers in recent months. Milk supplies were generally above last year's levels, but the trend did not continue in October. In total, milk production in October amounted to approximately 614.000 tons. This is approximately 3,7% lower than in the same period last year. It is the first time this year that the level is so lower than last year, but production is still 3,1% above the 5-year average.
United Kingdom
British milk production in October was actually higher than last year. It is the first time in the past 5 months that milk supply has exceeded last year's level. A total of 1,235 million tons of milk was produced, which is 0,6% more than last year. When milk production is compared with the 5-year average, a positive difference of 1,8% is noted.
Brexit
With the end of the Brexit transition period and the possibility that Europe and the UK will not be able to reach a trade deal, concerns are increasing in Ireland. Tim Cullinan, chairman of the Irish Farmers Association, recently warned that dairy farmers will face significant challenges as a result of market disruptions caused by Brexit.
Although Ireland has sought to diversify its exports since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the UK remains the main destination for Irish agricultural exports. More than 40% of all Irish beef and dairy products go to the UK. Ireland is currently working on a financial support scheme for food exporters in the event of a 'no-deal Brexit'.