The latest data from DCANZ shows national milk output lifted 1.9% YOY in January on a milk solids basis and 1.2% on a volume basis. The lift in milk production breaks the downward trend of year-on-year declines in production since June 2022, when milk production was flat on a volume basis but rose on a solids basis.

January production has improved season to date output, although seasonal intake remains 1.5% behind the prior year comparative. Despite heavy rains in the North Island and predicted heavy falls in the South Island in coming days, NZX anticipates a rise in February milk output with pasture growth in line with 2022 and better than the same period in 2021.