March milk supplies are back on 2017 in the east, but ahead in the west and midlands. Based on our preliminary milk supply survey results this week, there are big differences for March.

In the east, the largest processor Glanbia reports monthly milk supply is likely to be down by around 5% on March 2017 supplies.

In the Glanbia catchment area, milk supplies were adversely affected by the impact of Storm Emma and more recently by poor grass growth and poor-quality forage. In the last week supplies are back up to 8%.

Down south, the west Cork co-ops report milk supplies for March will likely end up somewhere on par with March 2017, but protein percentage is beginning to suffer, with many suppliers already on less than 3% protein. Arrabawn reports it is also on par. Kerry Group and Dairygold are down 4% on last year.

In complete contrast, Lakeland Dairies reports supplies for March 2018 ahead by 6% on 2017. Similarly, Aurivo reports supplies ahead of last year by 7.5%, with protein percentages on a par with last year. LacPatrick reports milk supply is up 7% until 26 March.