Dairy market review in the UK for the second quarter of 2024

GB milk deliveries through the milk year to date have contracted in supply terms as a result of the poor weather seen from Autumn through to Spring. April was back by 1.9% and May by 1.0%. June ended the month back by 0.2%. Following weaker production throughout the flush, we saw June deliveries move much closer to year ago levels as the month progressed, due to improved grass availability. We need to remember that we are not annualising on a good year. The 2023/24 milk season was the lowest milk-year volume recorded since the 2016/17 season. Grass growth rates were poor through Spring but have since come back in line with seasonal averages which should indicate that first cuts, at least, have been successful. Time (and weather) will tell to what extent the slow start and damage to ground will make for prospects for second cuts. This is reflected in the latest forecast as a slightly bigger decline is now expected in GB milk production for the 2024/25 season. To reflect the ...