News Milk supply
New Zealand milk supply drops even deeper
The milk supply in New Zealand is lagging considerably behind previous years. In fact, the difference is getting bigger by the month. The weather conditions are far from ideal this season and that is reflected in the numbers.
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In February, New Zealand processors collected 1,773 million tons, according to figures from industry organization Dcanz. This is a decrease of 6,1% compared to the same month in 2021 and also the lowest volume in February since 2013. In the current season, which started last July and ends in June, the gap is now almost 4%. The shrinkage is striking in the context of the record high milk price that is in prospect at Fonterra (but also at other processors).
Slaughter figures significantly lower
The shrinkage is a result of lower animal numbers. That trend now seems to have stopped. Slaughter figures last month were almost 10% below last year's level. Nevertheless, production is lagging behind. This is also related to the erratic climate conditions this season. New Zealand dairy farming is very sensitive to this, as many dairy farmers there graze entirely.
Whimsical weather
While the spring was too wet, the late summer is dry in many places. The drought is mainly affecting the South Island. New Zealand media write about a lack of roughage. There is currently flooding in some places on the North Island, which is of course not conducive to milk production.