Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB milk deliveries: Pressure on processing capacity as milk volumes mount
Thursday, 24 April 2025
Technical issues at processing sites over the Easter weekend led to an excess of milk remaining on some farms. High volumes of milk coinciding with a long bank holiday weekend was said to have brought on the disruption.
Following a poor first half of 2024, milk volumes have been rising since September, incentivised by a strengthening milk to feed price ratio, now looking the best it has for 20 years.
In contrast to last year, favourable spring weather has allowed for early turnout and GB milk production has got off to a strong start, with March volumes up 2.7% compared to the same month last year. Data for April so far (to the 12th) shows a 5.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
However, attention has shifted to milk processing capacity. Reports of processing breakdowns at various sites over Easter left some farmers left with milk to dispose of over the weekend. Due to this, spot milk prices are currently low. Concerns have also been raised regarding access to drying facilities to ease over-supply pressures.
Our latest forecast for the remainder of the 2025/26 milk season predicts GB milk volumes will reach 12.6bn litres, 1.2% more than the previous milk year. A watchful eye will remain on this year’s flush and implications of any processing changes.
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.