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Dry conditions and cold weather sees milk production slow
Tuesday, 27 April 2021
By Bronwyn Magee
Milk volumes were constrained again in the latest week (17 April) with GB deliveries rising just 0.4% on the week before.
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This is a result of poorer grazing conditions following the cold snap of weather and an exceptionally dry spring, with even those in high annual rainfall areas yet to see rain. According to our Forage for Knowledge survey, while grass growth lifted in the latest week (22 April), growth rates are still far below those seen at the same point in the previous 3 years.
As such, these conditions have slowed the seasonal lift in milk volumes and bought milk production back in line with last year’s levels (+0.1%). Meanwhile, the 7-day rolling average of GB milk production is now running 0.7% below our forecast, down from being 0.4% above it on 10 April.
It seems the drier conditions are starting to take effect with some producers indicating they will need to start feeding silage again unless conditions improve. This contrasts what we saw just a few weeks ago, with concerns over how high production was running prior to the May peak. While this has offered some respite to the industry for the seasonal peak, the longer-term impact on milk production will be of more concern, as will the financial impact on farmers.
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