Production
The AHDB is reporting GB milk deliveries in November were down by 2.8% compared with last year (Defra figures will not be available until the New Year). GB production for the month totalled 977 million litres, a fall of nearly 29 million litres on the year. However, this time last year milk prices were very high, peaking in December at 51.60ppl, compared with the current price around the 37-38ppl mark (see Key Farm Facts). At this price producers will not ‘push’ cows for the extra litres and production may further reduce thoughout the winter. In its latest revised forecast the AHDB has reduced production estimates for the 2023/24 milk year by 1.3% to total 12.22 billion litres. Furthermore, this is entirely driven by lower yields as BCMS data suggests the herd size remains stable. The global picture is similar. Production in September was down marginally by -0.7%, but as the milk price falls, production is slowing.
Prices
Falling milk production together with an increase in demand as we approach Christmas, is resulting in some strong upward price movements for UK wholesale markets. On the global market, after ‘stuttering’ in November (see last month’s article) the average GDT Price Index recorded a 1.6% increase at the latest event held on 5th December to average $3,323. Both SMP and WMP experienced gains; +1.2% and 2.1% resepctively. But the big mover was Cheddar, up by +9.7% to average $3,986. The next event will be held on 19th December and it will be interesting to see if this ‘positivity’ continues – if seems like the market is at a turning point.
In terms of farmgate milk prices, the most notable announcement is from Arla giving a 0.89ppl increase from 1st December for its suppliers of both conventional and organic milk. This means the UK manufacturing price will be 36.1ppl and 43.54ppl respectively. Significantly, in its announcement Arla Foods amba board director, and Arla farmer, Arthur Fearnall, said ‘This announcement is a step in the right direction for our cooperative business. Global milk supplies are slowing down in major production areas and retail sales continue to pick up after the turnaround in Q3. Global commodity markets are also recovering……The outlook is positive‘.