The expected increase in milk supplies following quota removal is becoming a reality and processors’ supplies are well up right across the country.

An Irish Farmers Journal survey of milk processors shows estimated June milk supplies to all the major processors were significantly up for the third month of the new era without milk quota restrictions.

Our tallies suggest milk supplies to the end of June were up by between 6.5% and 18% (see Figire 1) with the larger processors in the east up by the highest margin.

What is also very interesting is that with sunshine and good grazing conditions, cows are milking exceptionally well at the moment producing a lot more fat and protein than other years.

In Glanbia, protein percentage is up almost 0.1% for spring-calving herds. While this might seem a very small figure, it is an exceptional lift in 12 months. Estimated average milk solid percentages for June look like they will hit 3.45% protein and 3.90% fat, which means dairy farmers attaining that quality will get about 2c/l of a premium over the 27.5c/l Glanbia base price.

Glanbia collections to date for June 2015 were up a massive 18% on June 2014, on a like-for-like basis, excluding the new milk from recent transfers.

Kerry milk supplies are up by about 6.5% compared to June 2014 milk supplies, according to a spokesperson.

Dairygold milk supplies were also up considerably, with one source suggesting June deliveries are up 12% relative to June 2014.

Further up the country, Lakeland milk supplies were also up relative to the same period last year. A Lakeland spokesperson estimates June milk supplies were up 10% to 11% compared to June 2014.

North Tipperary-based Arrabawn is running about 8% to 10% up in supply on a like-for-like basis.

The west Cork co-ops also report an increase in milk supply for June 2015. Drinagh reports adjusted supply is up about 10%. Lisavaird estimates supply is up about 11% relative to the same period in 2014. Bandon estimates it remains about 14% up and Barryroe suggests it is running about 11% up for this month.