Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB milk production: August volumes remain in growth
Thursday, 14 September 2023
GB milk deliveries in August totalled 997 million litres; this is an increase of 8 million litres (0.8%) compared to the same month last year, with daily deliveries averaging 32.15 million litres per day. The total GB milk volume for the first five months of the season (April–August) stood at 5,309 million litres, an increase of 0.6% (31 million litres) compared to the same period last season.
Wet and mild weather in August has supported grass growth, which has been well above the 5-year average throughout the month, as recorded by our Forage for Knowledge database. This will have boosted grazing and supported milk yields compared to last year, when the UK experienced a prolonged period of drought. The weather will have also benefited forage availability for later in the season, with hot and dry weather in the first week of September providing opportunities to cut and store silage.
Although most input costs have eased compared to the historical highs of last year, they remain challenging when compared to historical averages. In particular, interest rates are playing a large part in squeezing farm margins, coupled with declining farmgate milk prices. This leaves farmers with no incentive to push production further. On the demand side, consumer spending has reduced amid inflationary pressure, resulting in an overall gloomy market sentiment. We will be publishing an updated milk production forecast later this month after the Milk Forecasting Forum on 20 September.
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.