Argentina: In February, milk production fell 17% due to the heat wave, in the deepest percentage drop in 40 years

The negative effects of the climate continue to be reflected in milk production indices. In the midst of the heat wave, last February 686 million liters were produced, which meant a 12% drop compared to January. Compared to February of last year, the drop was 17%. According to data published by the Argentine Dairy Chain Observatory (OCLA), it was the largest drop in the number of liters in the last 5 years. But according to statistics from analyst José Quintana, this is the largest year-on-year decrease in the last 40 years. The reasons for such a reduction in the supply of milk, which has a full impact on the dairy farms' turnover, basically have to do with the climate. The high temperatures and heat of summer affected the cows, and even more so those in establishments that do not have the necessary infrastructure to keep them safe, such as sheds or partial shade. The most affected regions were the dairy basins of Córdoba and Santa Fe, followed later by Buenos Aires. At OCLA they ...