New Zealand milk production for October increased almost 3% to just over 3bn litres, according to figures released overnight by the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ). October is the peak month for milk production in New Zealand.

The 3bn litres produced by New Zealand dairy farmers for October brings cumulative milk production in New Zealand, for the first five months of the 2017/18 season, to 7.14bn litres, which is almost 1% ahead of this time last year.

New Zealand farmers had reported extremely heavy rains across both islands in early October, but strong grass availability helped drive milk output for the countries peak month.