GB milk production: 2026 spring peak

Based on the rolling 7-day data, volumes have continued to nudge up into early May, reaching the highest level of 38.34m litres on 9 May.

However, the single day peak occurred earlier than the usual seasonal peak, typically in the first couple of weeks of May. The highest single daily figure was recorded at 38.90m litres on 25 April*.

Although the average weekly volumes have been lower year-on-year, this is the highest single daily volume on record, just breaking last year’s 2025 record of 38.88m litres (reached on 4 May).

Figure 1. GB daily milk deliveries (7-day rolling average)

Source: AHDB

Figure 1 is a line chart showing GB daily milk deliveries, using a 7-day rolling average, from 1 April to 31 March. It compares 2026/27, 2025/26 and the five year average (million litres per day).
The vertical axis shows million litres per day, ranging from 29 to 41 million litres. Three lines are shown:
2026/2027 (light blue, short line)
2025/2026 (dark blue, top line)
Five year average (orange, bottom line)

In April, deliveries were at marginally lower levels of -0.1% with the latest data now showing a more notable decline. Data for May so far (up to 9th May) shows a 0.4% decline, with -0.6% in the last week. It should be noted that we are comparing against a very high base.

Processor milk volume control measures are likely to have aided some of the slowdown in milk volumes, both through capacity improvements as well as sharp AB pricing measures.

Maximising grass in diet is particularly important when margins are squeezed. A seasonally cold start to May and a dry April led to below average rates of grass growth. As soil temperatures pick up and silage season progresses, yields and quality will be key watchpoints.

*Please note this data may be subject to future revisions.

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