October milk production hits record high

British milk production hit a record high for October as warmer temperatures encouraged grass growth and stimulated yields.

Figures released by AHDB Dairy estimated GB milk production to hit 1.04bn litres – the highest October volume since records began in 1998.

See also: Milk markets: Will 50p/litre cause production to increase?

The levy body’s dairy and livestock analyst Freya Shuttleworth said the figure was also 4% or 40m litres above the AHDB forecast.

Daily deliveries averaged 33.55m litres a day, a 2.5% increase on September and a year-on-year increase of 3%, Ms Shuttleworth said.

The increased output came despite reduced grass production in the summer caused by long, hot, dry spells.

In contrast, statistics showed October mean temperatures were the highest since the mid-2000s.

Paired with average rainfall figures, this encouraged above-average autumn grass growth and with it increased yields.

Strong milk prices could also have encouraged production, Ms Shuttleworth suggested.

Winter falls

However, while September and October production was high, yields could drop again through the winter months as higher concentrate costs will limit quantities fed, she speculated.

“There is also a chance we could see higher rates of destocking in the coming months, which would further negatively impact total milk production,” Ms Shuttleworth added.