Today Fonterra revealed its milk intakes for the month of April were 8% higher than a year ago.
Production in the North Island surged 66 million kgMS, 22% higher than the same month a year ago. In April 2014 North Island milk production was compromised by drought. The strong North Island output this April was partially offset by South Island production being 6.5% lower.
On a season to date basis milk intakes are 1.5% higher than last season across NZ. North Island production is up 3.3% while South Island production is 1.2% lower.
Milk intakes for Fonterra's Australian operation are tracking 6.1% ahead for the season from July 2013 to April 2014.
Fonterra's milk production forecast for 2014-15 has been revised up to 1,607 million kgMS, 2% more than last season
Fonterra reports "Favourable pasture growth conditions continue across Australia, with most dairying regions receiving some rain. Western Victoria production growth relative to last season continues, but follow-up rain is needed to maintain current growth rates for the remainder of the season."
Fonterra's NZ milk production forecast for full the 2014-15 season remains at 1,607 million kgMS, ie 1.5% more than last season. This forecast assume May milk intakes will be the same as last season which appears conservative given the strength of the April production data.
NZ production of milk powder products was 5% lower during the period from February 2015 to April 2015 compared with the corresponding period a year earlier. Sales of powder products during the 3 months to April 2015 generated average revenue of NZ$3,516/t. The volume of powder products sold during this period was 3% lower than year ago levels at 491,000t.
