Latest data from DCANZ showed New Zealand milk production growth slowed in October, edging up 0.3% to 267,666kgMS and 0.8% on a milk volume basis, slightly higher than last season but down 1.3% on record breaking peak production in 2018. The weaker solids growth bears out the reports of weaker pasture quality. October output was 2.7% ahead of the 5-year average and marks the sixth consecutive month of YOY increases in production.

With a lift in total production in October, season-to-date output remains 1.8% ahead of the year prior.