On average, August milk supplies will be up 11% for 2017 compared to 2016, according to our survey of milk processors completed this week.

This result suggests processors will collect over 770m litres in August. Monthly volume predictions from processors around the country range from 8% higher volumes in the Lakeland region to 13% up in Glanbia.

Last year, Central Statistics Office (CSO) results showed 700m litres were collected in August. If this lifts 11% on average, as our survey figures suggest, it will mean an additional 77m litres of milk in August. At a value of 32 to 33c/litre, this is an additional €25m in milk cheques to farmers.

Co-op round-up

Glanbia and Dairygold report August milk supplies are up 13% and 12.5% respectively.

In the west and northwest, Aurivo reports that it will be up 12% for August, while Lakeland reports a lift of 8% for August.

Arrabawn, headquartered in Tipperary but collecting in the west and midlands, reports volumes up 11% for August 2017 compared with the same month last year.

Most of the west Cork co-ops report preliminary predictions for August up between 9% and 12%. Kerry reports August volumes up 10%.

The July monthly milk league published this week (page 15) shows on average the price paid for July milk was €4.60/kg milk solids (32.9c/l ex VAT) at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat.

The west Cork co-ops top the league table.

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