Milksolids intake was up 2.8% YOY in October, slightly above the 5-year average, with volume +2.1% for the month. Season-to-date intake is +5% YOY, while volume is 4.2% higher.

Seasonal milk production has peaked with excellent seasonal conditions in most regions except Southland, where wet conditions required supplementary feeding and pasture conservation.

The NZX pasture growth index was mixed in October, close to average before tapering off at month-end. Pasture conditions were well above prior year comparables in South Canterbury and Waikato in October. NZX is forecasting a midpoint milk production increase of 1.4% for November.