Figures released in Fonterra’s monthly global dairy update show that in February their New Zealand milk collection was down 4% when compared to the same period last year.

The North Island bore the brunt of this reduction in production as it saw a 3% cut, with the South Island making up the remaining 1%. Collections totalled to 135m kgMS.

Total milk production in New Zealand for the month of February was down by 2% compared to the same period last year. According to Fonterra this is as a result of unfavourable conditions which “have hampered growing conditions for most of the season” and “continue to impact pasture quality”.

This is the third consecutive month in which the kiwi co-op reported a drop in collection levels when compared to 2016.

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