On average, Irish milk processors collected 10% more milk in July compared to the same month last year. Similar to May and June, our monthly survey of milk supply shows most processors are collecting between 6% and 17% more milk compared with the same period in 2014, when milk quotas were restricting output.

Our figures show estimated July milk supplies to all the major processors were significantly up for the fourth month of the new era without quota restrictions. The survey suggests milk supplies to the end of June were up between 6% and 17% (see graph), with the larger processors in the east up by the highest volume.

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

CSO statistics for June milk supply released this week confirm what our June survey showed – about 13% more milk was collected in June compared with the same period in 2014.

Glanbia collections to date for July 2015 were up a massive 17% on July 2014. This comparison is made on a like-for-like basis, excluding the new milk from recent transfers.

Kerry milk supplies were also higher and, according to a spokesperson, are up about 6.0% compared to July 2014 milk supplies. Dairygold milk supplies were up considerably, with estimates suggesting July deliveries were 13.5% higher than those made in the same period in 2014.

Lakeland milk supplies were also up relative to the same period last year. A Lakeland spokesperson estimates July milk supplies were up 10% to 11% compared with July 2014.

North Tipperary-based Arrabawn is running about 11% up in supply on a like-for-like basis. The west Cork co-ops also report an increase in milk supply for July 2015.

Drinagh reports that adjusted supply is up about 7%. Lisavaird estimates supply is up about 8% relative to the same period in 2014, Bandon estimates that it remains about 11% up and Barryroe suggests it is running about 8% up for July, the month just finished.