News Milk
Irish milk supply continues to rise steadily
Although dairy prices are peaking worldwide, milk supply in many countries is lagging behind last year's volumes. However, Irish livestock farmers seem to be taking full advantage of the favorable market conditions. The amount of milk produced in October was also well above the volumes of last year.
Read this article?
Become a subscriber and get instant access
Choose the subscription that suits you
Irish livestock farmers delivered a total of 682.140 tonnes of milk to the milk processing factories. The volume was therefore 10% above last year's level. In October 2020, the volume supplied was 614.190 tons. Dairy farmers in the country are able to continue the strong upward trend. In September growth was 6,5%, in August 5,5% and in July 4,7%.
The fact that Irish milk production has recently regained its growth rate is also evident from the comparison with the average 5-year production figure. This is 628.950 tons for October. This means that production for October 2021 is approximately 7,8% above this multi-year average.
Business income already rose significantly in 2020
According to figures from the Irish Agricultural Statistical Office (TEAGASC), dairy farms saw income increase by 2020% in 13 to just €75.000. That is the average operating result based on a company with 60 hectares of land and 82 dairy cows. For 2021, TEAGASC expects a 31% higher margin per liter of milk, mainly due to increased milk yields. However, the agency predicts significantly higher costs and pressure on margins for 2022, despite milk prices remaining in line with this year's level. Milk production in Ireland will therefore increase more moderately, namely by 2%, compared to an increase of 6% for the whole of 2021.