The total number of black and white Friesian cows to calve over the four months September to December hit 92,240 cows in 2017, down from 93,558 in 2016.

It is a combination of dairy farmers in winter milk and liquid milk schemes who calve cows in the autumn to provide a continual supply of fresh, quality milk over the winter months.

On page 50, we detail some of the winter milk schemes and bonuses that incentivise farmers to produce winter milk (not liquid contracted milk).

There are over 1,800 specialist liquid milk producers who milk cows 365 days a year to guarantee consumers fresh, high-quality, locally produced milk supplies all year round.

The diminishing premiums being paid to farmers for fresh milk no longer cover the significant additional cost of producing this milk, especially over the winter months.

Herd sizes

The expansion of herd sizes in the south of Ireland has led farmers to question the economic sustainability of winter milk production. As the proportion of spring milk has increased, some are questioning continuing with a small proportion of winter milk.

IFA says fresh milk is worth €530m at retail level, of which 75% or €400m is sourced from Republic of Ireland suppliers. This compares with dairy exports valued at €3.24bn, meaning fresh milk accounts for 8% of Irish milk volumes produced, but 12% of the value added to milk in Ireland.

At a time of uncertainty created by Brexit, our domestic market for fresh milk is a very valuable part of the sector we should nurture, not undermine.