September milk supplies remain on a strong upward trend, despite the heavy rain in parts over the last month.
Our survey of processors this week suggests milk supply could be up to 10% higher on average for the month of September.
In September 2016, the CSO reported that 583m litres were collected, so 10% more would equate to an additional 58m litres, bringing the September 2017 national collection to over 640m litres. At a price of 32c/l to 33 c/litre (ex VAT), this is an additional €20m in milk cheques to the country’s 18,000 dairy farmers.
Year-to-date supply
The September volumes tally with previous monthly results.
For the last number of months, our surveys have shown a national increase in supply, month on month. Most of the processors report an increase of 6% to 9% for year-to-date supplies.
Co-op round-up
Monthly volume predictions from processors around the country range from 8% higher volumes in the Arrabawn catchment region, to 13% up in Glanbia.
In the west and northwest, both Aurivo and Lakeland report a lift of 11% for September 2017 compared with September 2016.
Arrabawn, headquartered in Tipperary, but also collecting in the west and midlands, reports volumes up 8% for September 2017 compared with the same month last year.
Most of the west Cork co-ops estimate September supplies to be up between 10% and 13%.
Kerry, which normally drops supply when heavy rains fall, reports September volumes up 9%.
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