Milk supply across Ireland will be up by about 10% for the month of September compared with the same period last year.

Milk supply is bouncing back as grass supplies returned following a particularly prolonged drought in the east. In midsummer, milk supply for Glanbia and Dairygold was reportedly down 2% and 3%, respectively, while the west delivered a strong supply curve all summer.

Some processors in the west and northwest are up by over 10% month on month and have been ahead of the east in supply all year.

Last year, the Central Statistics Office reported that September 2017 domestic milk intake by creameries and pasteurisers was estimated at 648m litres.

If our estimated survey results for September 2018 are confirmed by processor returns, on average there was an additional 60m litres produced by farmers.

Processors

Dairygold estimates that September volumes are up by 8%. Arrabawn estimates for September are also up by 11% for September 2018 compared with the same month in 2017.

Lakeland suggests July volumes are up 12% year on year for the same period, while Aurivo figures show they are also up 12%. In between these co-ops LacPatrick reports they are up 9.8%.

Kerry reports it is up 7.5% for September, but, still back by about 1% year to date compared with 2017.

All of the West Cork co-ops suggest they are ahead by between 9% and 12% for September.