Milk volumes crash

It is now very difficult to see the national milk quota for 2008/2009 being filled. A quick round-up of the main processors this week showed that each are well below quota and falling faster every week. Extremely wet weather has made grazing difficult and cows have been housed all over the country. For many, this is the worst summer/autumn in living memory.

In summary, the position of the largest processors is:

• •Dairygold 1.2% under (6.5 million litres) compared to 1% over this time last year.
• Glanbia on quota at last official count, but dropping a couple of hundred thousand litres every week so now under quota. Last year, three million gallons over at same time.
• Kerry - at least 7% under quota.
• Lakeland 1.7% under quota to end of August
• Wexford 2% to 2.5% under quota
• Drinagh 0.3% under to end of August and falling
• Connacht Gold, 3% under quota and falling weekly

The official Department result to end of July was 1.6% under quota. Kerry and some of the co-ops in north Cork have introduced a rebate of €30/tonne on every tonne of meal purchased in August and September.