Inside Milk
Irish milk supply in April approaches seasonal peak
Irish milk supply climbed further in April, approaching its annual peak. Traditionally, Irish milk production peaks in May.
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Irish dairy farms delivered 1.073.330 tonnes of milk to factories last month. Production has therefore fallen below last year's level. After milk production in the first 3 months of the year was higher than in 2020, there is a trend break in April.
Compared to the 5-year average, milk production in Ireland is still at a high level. In 2020, April production was at a level of 1105.57 million tons. That was almost 3% more than this year.
Relatively cool weather
The most obvious cause of the slightly decreased milk production compared to last year is probably the relatively cool weather in April. While the first 3 months of the year were largely quite mild, temperatures in April were several degrees below average for most of the month.
Milk prices largely stable
According to the Irish Association of Milk Suppliers, milk prices paid at most processors were at the same level as in March. Some milk processors have slightly increased their payment prices. Depending on the processor, milk prices were between €32,85 and €33,74 per 100 kilos, at 3,3% protein and 3,6% fat.