Dutch milk supply below five-year average

Dutch dairy farms delivered a total of 1.182.600 tons to processors in April, according to data from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). That is 0,8% less than in April 2020, but coincidentally also exactly 0,8% more than in April 2019. Compared to the traditional peak production in March, the backlog in April has remained more or less the same.

In the first full spring month of the year, milk production decreases slightly seasonally due to the transition to the grazing season. That is no different this year. However, the relatively cool spring does have an impact on roughage management and therefore also milk production. The roughage supply is tight on many dairy farms and the mowing of the first cut is relatively late this season due to the current weather conditions. 

However, the prices for roughage and concentrates are also relatively high. These have risen proportionately faster than the milk price, which means that dairy farmers are sailing closely under these circumstances - including the weather - to achieve the most efficient milk production possible. This is also reflected in the fat production and the fat percentage of the milk delivered in April. This was a lot higher than last year: 4,53% this year, compared to 4% in 43. Fat production is therefore 2020% higher this year at 1,5 tons. 

In 2017 and 2018, among others, the peak of milk production was in this month of May, in the last 2 years this peak shifted to the month of March. All indicators so far indicate that the trend of the last two years is being followed and the supply in May is also below that of March. April production is therefore also slightly behind (2%) compared to the five-year average of 0,7 tons.