August milk supplies continued the above-quota trend that was established since the start of the quota year.

August is the fifth month of the final quota year and already some industry sources suggest it is clear the country will go over quota. Most of the major milk processors are between 5% and 10% over quota based on our co-op survey results.

The Department of Agriculture figure to the end of August will be available in the coming weeks. However, it reported that the country was 6.8% over quota to the end of July and we have found the trend has continued. This allows us estimate that the Department figures will show the country at least 7% over quota at the end of August.

Arrabawn estimates it will end August about 12% over quota, with near neighbour Centenary Thurles estimating it will end August 10% over. Glanbia is 6.5% over quota, or 48 million litres, while its other arm, Premier, is 5.3% over quota or 8 million litres. Kerry Group report it is 19 million litres over quota (3%), while this time last year it was 20 million litres under quota. August supplies are running 5% ahead of where they were last year. Dairygold ended August 9.34% over quota. Wexford estimates it is 6.5% over quota.

In the west, Aurivo reports it is 4% over quota, while Lakeland is 6% up on supply for August and 7.5% over quota, with milk supplies not easing off at all. Town of Monaghan Co-op is 6% up on August supplies last year and estimates it will finish August 6.5% over quota.

In west Cork, Bandon was not available for comment, and near neighbour Barryroe was level in August supply compared to last year, but will end August 8% over quota. Drinagh Co-op milk supplies were up by 3.5% for August versus 2013, but it estimates it will finish 8.35% over quota at the end of August. Lisavaird estimates August milk supplies are up 3% compared to August last year and reckons it will finish 9.3% last month over quota.