Friday, 31 January 2020 14:25

Dry weather begins to bite milk production

Written by Staff Reporters

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In December 2019, the co-op collected 0.6% less milk than in December 2018.

Dry weather in some parts of the country is beginning to affect milk production, says Fonterra.

In December 2019, the co-op collected 184 million kgMS from farmer suppliers: 0.6% down for the same month in 2018, according to its monthly global dairy update.

Season to date collection was over 909m kgMS, 0.5% down on the previous season.

North Island milk collection in December was 106.4 million kgMS, down 2.5% on last December. Season to date collection was 564 million kgMS, down 0.4% on last season.

Fonterra says December weather had some impact on pasture quality in some northern regions, however grazing crops are doing well, and cow condition remain very good.

South Island milk collection in December was 77 million kgMS, up 2.2% on last December. Season to date collection was 345 million kgMS, down 0.6% on last season.

“Favorable weather conditions across Canterbury continued, allowing for excellent pasture growth rates,” it says.

Overall milk solids collection in NZ fared slightly better than Fonterra’s.

New Zealand milk production was down 0.5% on a litre basis (up 0.2% on a milk solids basis) in December compared to the same period in the prior year.