Global production is not helping matters. Estimated global milk deliveries for May (the latest available data period) in our key production regions indicate production growth of 1.1% year-on-year. According to latest forecasts, however, estimated global milk production is expected to flatten off in 2023 to end the year at only 0.1% up. However, family businesses often see this as a price worth paying, providing flexibility and an acceptable lifestyle on what is effectively a 24/7 operation. Legislation GB milk deliveriesfinally began to slow in September, after a strong summer of production,with estimated volumes for the month down by 1.1% year-on-year, or the equivalent of 13 million litres. This means that production is still ahead of 2022/23 in the year-to-date by 0.31%. Some of the drop off has been caused by disruption from milk haulier Lloyd Fraser going into administration mid-month. Anecdotal reports suggested that processors swiftly made other arrangements for collections and that a minimal amount was tipped. However, daily deliveries data indicate some disruption between 11 and 19 September. The increase in energy costs has led to a resurgence in interest in renewable energy, particularly roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV).

Suppressed demand and increasing supplies continued to push farmgate prices on a downwards trajectory. After the peak seen in January 2023, prices have been consistently falling: in June the average farmgate milk price reached 36.48 ppl according to Defra. Since then, announcements for July and August have continued to fall, although August was a more stable month. There were a continuation of falls in aligned contracts in August with all retailers dropping their prices. An easy-peasy planner to prop onto your wall. Change the month by flipping and folding. These flip calendars are practical, functional, and easy on the eye. We have designs from Risotto, Once Upon a Tuesday, Crispin Finn and more. Wall planners The company believes these trends will continue, although yield increases may slow significantly, resulting in a small decline in UK output. On non-aligned liquid contracts most announcements were for holds, with Crediton, Freshways, Grahams and Muller Direct making no change in October. However, Payne’s Dairies announced a price drop of 1.00ppl for the month. Global and domestic demand remain subdued. Latest Nielsen figures indicate volume falls in butter (-1.0%), cheese (-1.5%) and milk (-1.7%) although less steep than in previous months, whilst yogurt and cream have returned to modest growth (=0.1% and +0.7% respectively (source: Nielsen Homescan, 12 we 9 Sep 23).

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In contrast to the volatility seen in yields as farmers reacted to cost pressures and forage shortages, the GB milking herd has remained relatively stable. The long-term trend of gradual decline continues – though the latest data showed the smallest annual contraction in the October herd since 2017. Overall, the number of cows in the milking herd at the time of the December forecast was marginally up on the previous projection, contributing slightly to the lift in forecasted volumes– but this had a minor impact compared to changes in yields.

Savour this collection of sumptuous recipes that champions British ingredients and reflects the influence of the seasons. There remain opportunities for growth however, by focussing on the attributes of dairy which remain linked to consumer priorities. These diaries are a must-have for anyone who wants to dig deep, challenge themselves and achieve big things in 2023. Choose from four inside formats. Goal Digger, Weekly Spread, Weekly Notes and, the every so popular Daily Goal Digger. There appears to be very little data on this, but the AHDB is progressing energy benchmarking. Grant aid via the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund in England should be available. RenewablesAs well as their sought-after undated diaries, The Completist also provides dated diaries for 2023. All of The Completist diaries are made with recycled papers making them not only beautifully designed but environmentally friendly too. Most of the growth looks set to occur in the first half of 2023, which is forecast to see an increase of 0.8% (1.1bn litres). This is driven by higher milk deliveries through the flush months in the northern hemisphere. Shop Papierniczeni diaries here. Please note these diaries have been selling out fast, the below colours may have sold out, but there are a few still available.