Farmers likely to exceed milk quotas

12 February 1998

Farmers likely to exceed milk quotas

UK milk production is likely to exceed its quota again in the current quota year as farmers face a European Union “super levy” penalty payment.

A sudden rise in calvings in the last quarter of 1997 contributed to higher production. Also milk yields rose over the winter because last summers silage had been particularly good and forage was plentiful. More animals were left producing milk with delays in implementing the selective cull to eradicate bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Milk Marque estimated farmers must cut milk output by 1% each week compared with the same period last year from now until the end of March if the quota limit is not to be breached.

• 
  Dramatic decline in milk output;
  Super-levy threat despite milk output fall;
  FWi markets, 6 & 10 February – Click here
  
• Financial Times 12/02/98 page 35