According to the latest data, the highest daily figure was 37.00m litres on 6 May, while the 7-day rolling average peaked on 8 May at 36.81m litres.
The spring flush has so far run behind last season, following the trend seen since the latter half of 2021. This year’s peak is 2.5% lower than the highest individual day in 2021, and the lowest ‘peak day’ since 2016. The peak is also 0.4% lower than our March forecast.
While the height of the peak is one factor, how sustained it is also affects availability of milk. In 2021 we saw a rapid fall from the peak which reduced summer volumes. Meanwhile in 2020 we had a lower but more drawn out peak influenced by the reaction to coronavirus lockdowns. With low milk production a particular concern this season, this will be an area to watch over the coming months.
