New Zealand milk production rose 3.1% on a milk solids basis, the highest monthly figure for December since 2014. Solids output is tracking 3.2% ahead of the prior season comparable. On a volume basis, production rose 2.5% YOY in December, with seasonal production 2.4% ahead of the prior year.

After a hot and dry beginning to the NZ summer, rainfall set in at the end of the month. Pasture growth improved substantially across both Islands in December.