Analysis Milk
New Zealand's milk supply is plummeting
Milk supplies in New Zealand slipped in March this year. For example, recently published figures from DCANZ show that milk supplies are the lowest in three years at 1,75 million tonnes. Drought and irrigation restrictions are detrimental to this. Australian milk supply, on the other hand, actually exceeds the year-on-year comparison.
Read this article?
Become a subscriber and get instant access
Choose the subscription that suits you
The milk supply in March was 1,75 million tonnes, 8,46% lower than February, when the milk supply was 1,91 million tonnes. Compared to March last year, New Zealand's milk production in March 2024 was 63.000 tonnes lower, or a decline of 3,47%. This brings total production in 2024 to March at 5,99 million tons. That is slightly higher in the first three months than last year's 5,98 million, but it no longer makes much difference.
Weather phenomenon El Niño plays a role in March's decline. This would have resulted in drier weather conditions than usual. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), many dairy farms in the country are suffering from the effects of drought. On top of that are the irrigation restrictions. These were allegedly imposed as a result of a low groundwater level. We hope for better weather conditions in New Zealand.
Australia
Australia's milk production was 2024 million liters in March 596,4, which is higher than in March 2023, when milk production was 580,3 million litres, which is 2,8% lower. Milk supply in February 2024 was 601,8 million liters, which is 0,9% higher. According to the Australian meteorological agency, El Niño is said to be over, writes the USDA. Particular attention is now being paid to developments regarding La Nina. It remains uncertain whether this weather phenomenon, the reverse of El Niño, will develop later in the year.