Cheese was the focus for Australian dairy companies with milk for manufacturing down an estimated 6.6% in 2022/23. Cheese production rose 0.7% YOY for the season, despite a 3.4% decline for cheddar, while there were large declines for milk powders and fats.

SMP and WMP production declined by 10.1% and 17.6%, respectively in 2022/23 compared to the prior season. Butter production fell 9% for the season, and at 33,684t was at an historic low. AMF output also declined – down 22.6% for the season to 9,006t which was a 3-year low.