DCANZ reported New Zealand milk production dropped 4.0% YOY in milksolids terms in September and was down 4.4% in volume terms. Cold, wet weather, and low light levels slowed pasture growth. NZX dairy analyst Stu Davison said that both energy levels of pasture and dry matter production were limited in September. The NZX Pasture Growth Index shows pasture conditions as below normal in the 2^nd half of September, which will also adversely impact October’s milk production.

September is the second month of year on year milk contraction in New Zealand. Production is tracking 0.4% behind the season to date in milksolids and is 0.3% behind the five-year average.