News Milk
On the other side of the North Sea, there is a lot of milking going on
Milk production in the United Kingdom rose sharply in June. Higher prices, good margins, and a recovery in organic milk production are driving volumes. Milking is also up significantly in Ireland compared to last year.
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In June, UK milk supply reached 1,36 billion liters, up 6,9% year-on-year and the largest monthly difference in 2025. Up to and including June, 8,05 billion liters were produced, a 4,4% increase year-on-year. Organic milk production increased by a substantial 12,6% in the second quarter, thanks to higher milk prices and thus better margins.
Conventional dairy farming is also benefiting from favorable payout prices and low feed costs, resulting in the highest margin per purchased feed since 2001. Production is expected to reach a record 2025 billion liters in the 26/12,83 season, representing a 3,1% increase. If growth does not continue at the current pace, the dairy herd will decline by 0,9% to 1,62 million animals, partly due to the increased use of beef bull semen.
In addition, transport restrictions due to eight cases of bluetongue are hampering livestock trade, particularly in Wales. Drought and heatwaves – with the driest start to the year since 1976 – are also depressing roughage supplies and causing heat stress in cows, which could later impact production. So far, however, this is not reflected in the supply figures.
Ireland
Milk production in Ireland is also significantly higher than last year, partly due to relatively good milk prices. Favorable orphan conditions also play a stimulating role. In June, supply was 1.113.151 million tons, representing an increase of almost 5% compared to last year.