Archive for dairy farming practices

Italian Dairy Revolution: Beef Bull Inseminations Double from 2016 to 2023 with Belgian Blue Leading the Charge

Why are Italian dairy farmers doubling down on beef bull inseminations? Discover how Belgian Blue is leading the trend and its implications for the industry.

Summary: Between 2016 and 2023, the use of beef bulls in insemination of dairy cattle in Italy has grown significantly, with over 20% of inseminations in 2023 using a beef bull. This trend is driven by changing market needs and consumer preferences, with traditional procedures prioritizing milk output over meat quality. The Belgian Blue Bull is the most popular breed for crossbreeding operations, accounting for 84% of all beef bull inseminations. This breed’s genetic inclination for muscular hypertrophy, improved meat quality, and higher economic returns aligns with the Italian market’s desire for lean meat cuts. Dairy producers must match breeding procedures with customer expectations to maximize profits. Heifers represent future potential in dairy production, making it crucial for farmers to choose high-quality dairy bulls to ensure better future milk performance.

  • The proportion of dairy cattle inseminations involving beef bulls doubled from just under 10% in 2016 to around 20% in 2023.
  • In 2023, 430,000 out of 2.2 million inseminations involved a beef bull.
  • The Belgian Blue breed dominates crossbreeding efforts, accounting for 84% of these inseminations, while Angus bulls come in second at 6.3%.
  • Italians’ preference for lean beef means that crossbreeds like Angus x Holstein are less popular due to the marbling in the meat.
  • Older cows are more likely to be inseminated with beef bulls, with the practice becoming significantly more common after multiple lactations.
  • In 2023, approximately 40% of fifth-calf cows were inseminated with a beef bull, up from 17% in 2016.

Between 2016 and 2023, the dairy industry in Italy witnessed a remarkable and innovative shift. The practice of using beef bulls to inseminate dairy cattle, a strategy that was once a rarity, has now become a significant trend. As detailed in a recent article in the Italian trade journal Bianca Nero, this silent revolution saw the proportion of inseminations involving beef bulls quadruple over the last seven years. In 2023, over 20% of dairy cow inseminations used a beef bull, compared to just under 10% in 2016. This groundbreaking trend reflects changing market needs and consumer preferences and sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of its implications.

Before the Beef Bull Boom: Italy’s Traditional Dairy Insemination Practices and Their Evolution 

Before 2016, the Italian dairy business had deeply ingrained traditional procedures for cow insemination. Historically, dairy cow insemination in Italy focused on bulls, recognized for improving milk output rather than meat quality. Instead of concentrating on meat features, the emphasis was maximizing milk supply and enhancing genetic traits linked with dairy production, such as udder health, fertility, and longevity.

During this time, beef bulls were used for insemination in a few cases, accounting for fewer than 10% of total inseminations. The business is almost entirely centered on pure dairy breeds such as Holstein-Friesian, which are appreciated for their excellent milk production. This conservative strategy guaranteed that the dairy cow herd was genetically focused on increasing dairy efficiency, sustaining Italy’s substantial dairy product industry, renowned for cheese variations such as Parmesan and Mozzarella.

Statistical Growth in Beef Bull Inseminations (2016-2023) 

Between 2016 and 2023, the usage of beef bulls on dairy cattle in Italy increased significantly, from under 10% of all inseminations in 2016 to about 20% by 2023. This move illustrates a rising tendency to introduce beef genetics into dairy herds, altering Italy’s dairy production landscape.

The Belgian Blue Bull: Italy’s Preferred Choice for Dairy Crossbreeding

Belgian Blue bulls are the most popular in crossbreeding operations, accounting for 84% of all beef bull inseminations. The Belgian Blue breed’s supremacy may be ascribed to its long-standing reputation for producing calves with superb muscling. This feature precisely matches the Italian market’s desire for lean meat cuts. Dairy producers benefit from this breed’s genetic inclination for muscular hypertrophy, improving meat quality and higher economic returns.

In sharp contrast, Angus bulls, which account for a substantially lower 6.3 percent proportion, are employed less often. The fundamental reason for this divergence is that different customer preferences drive the Italian beef industry. While Angus steak is world-renowned for its exceptional marbling (intramuscular fat distributed throughout the meat), the Italian taste prefers leaner cuts. The marbling introduced by Angus Genetics does not appeal to local preferences. Therefore, Italian dairy producers have a limited choice for Angus x Holstein crossbreeds.

The significant disparity in the use rates of these breeds underscores the pivotal role of market demand and consumer preferences in shaping breeding strategies. As dairy producers strive to maximize profits by adapting to market trends, the Belgian Blue emerges as the ideal cattle breed for insemination in Italy’s dairy industry. This emphasis on consumer preferences guides breeding decisions. It fosters a connection between the industry and its consumers, making the audience feel integral to its decision-making process.

Why Italian Consumers’ Taste for Lean Beef Shapes Dairy Farming Practices 

While the worldwide taste for marbled meat has expanded, notably with the advent of Wagyu and Angus beef in gourmet markets, Italian consumers retain a specific gastronomic predilection that has far-reaching ramifications for breeding decisions. Italians often choose leaner cuts of meat in regional cuisines with reduced fat content. As a result, the Angus x Holstein crossbreed, despite its potential for increased marbling, is less popular among Italian dairy producers.

Understanding that customer preferences drive breeding tactics is critical. Marbling, the intramuscular fat that gives a rich, buttery texture, is only sometimes popular in Italy. Dishes like ‘Bistecca alla Fiorentina’ and other traditional Italian beef dishes call for lean meat, which has a distinct texture and cooking characteristic than marbled meat.

This predilection influences farmers’ decisions when choosing bulls for insemination. Belgian Blue, known for producing lean yet tasty meat, dominates the crossbreeding chart, accounting for 84% of all inseminations. Angus bulls, which may typically provide advantages in meat output, account for just 6.3 percent, owing to the marbling problem.

The economic implications of this trend are clear: dairy producers must align their breeding strategies with customer expectations to maximize profits. The ongoing preference of Italian consumers for lean beef supports the industry’s reliance on breeds like the Belgian Blue, ensuring that the final product meets market demands. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between breeding choices and customer tastes, highlighting the profound connection between agricultural practices and culinary traditions. The shift to beef bull insemination meets consumer preferences and promises increased economic returns, painting an optimistic picture of the industry’s future.

Why Older Cows Are the Prime Candidates for Beef Bull Inseminations: Unpacking the Trend

This data analysis shows that beef bull inseminations are infrequent in heifers but considerably rise with the number of lactations. This tendency may be ascribed to several critical variables related to dairy production’s economic and biological aspects.

For starters, heifers represent future potential in a dairy herd. Thus, farmers must choose high genetic merit dairy bulls to guarantee the offspring have better milking skills. Their genetic composition is crucial in laying the groundwork for future output, thus the reluctance to employ beef bulls at this early stage. Conversely, Older cows may be less valuable in future milk production after several lactations. As a result, producers can afford to emphasize meat quality and quantity, making beef bull inseminations significantly more acceptable.

Another influence is the biological makeup of dairy cows. Heifers and younger cows need more careful reproductive control. However, employing beef bulls, which may produce bigger calves, may cause calving issues and raise health concerns. These hazards are reduced in older cows with a proven maturity and calving history, making beef bull insemination a safer and more realistic choice.

Furthermore, economically, using beef bulls in older cows is consistent with a planned lifetime strategy. Dairy producers may maximize their resources by concentrating dairy genetic features on younger, future generations while capitalizing on the increased meat value of beef-cross offspring in older cows. This approach diversifies revenue streams by combining dairy production with beef sales, a popular paradigm in today’s agricultural industry.

The growing use of beef bulls in cows with many lactations has significant ramifications for dairy farming methods. This is a segment-centric strategy in which each age group within the herd is handled to optimize specific outputs. This demands customized herd management tactics that use precise genetic planning and modern reproductive technology. Such techniques eventually offer increased economic sustainability and productivity for Italy’s dairy sector, indicating an emerging paradigm that combines tradition and innovation.

Future Trends in Dairy Crossbreeding: From Genetic Precision to Sustainable Practices 

Beef bulls for dairy cow inseminations in Italy will likely continue rising, affected by various variables ranging from technical developments to evolving market needs. One possible trend is the increased accuracy of genetic selection methods. Genetic markers and genomic technology help farmers better judge which bulls to utilize, maximizing attributes like growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass quality. This accuracy may assist in satisfying market needs more successfully, ensuring that the beef produced is consistent with customer tastes.

The market demand for lean meat, mainly from breeds like Belgian Blue, is expected to stay robust. However, when global culinary preferences alter, and new dietary trends arise, marbled meats like Angus may regain favor, particularly if marketing efforts and consumer education change views of their advantages. This might result in a more diverse approach to crossbreeding, with farms balancing bulls to respond to customer preferences.

Furthermore, advances in reproductive technology, such as sexed sperm and in vitro fertilization, might be crucial. Such technologies enable the production of more acceptable kids while maintaining high fertility rates and lowering expenses. This would primarily assist older cows, who have previously been found to be excellent candidates for beef bull inseminations, by increasing each insemination treatment’s efficiency and success rate.

Environmental concerns and sustainability trends are expected to impact future behaviors. With a growing focus on lowering the carbon impact of agricultural activities, there may be a drive for more productive and ecologically friendly breeds. This might lead to a preference for bulls, contributing to higher feed conversion ratios and reduced methane emissions, aligning dairy beef operations with overall sustainability objectives.

Overall, the future scenario of beef bull inseminations in Italy looks to be changing rapidly, owing to genetic advancements, market adjustments, and sustainability concerns. Engaging actively with these changes will be critical for dairy producers who want to stay competitive and responsive to customer expectations and environmental obligations.

The Bottom Line

The transformational change in dairy insemination trends in Italy, characterized by a considerable increase in the use of beef bulls, has not only reshaped the genetic landscape but also catered to market desires for leaner meats. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of beef bull inseminations doubled. Belgian Blue bulls were widely adopted, indicating a deliberate shift toward improving meat quality and production efficiency. The increased use of beef bulls in older cows demonstrates a tactical strategy to enhance dairy cattle lifetime and output. As Italy continues to innovate in dairy production, crossbreeding tactics will be critical to improving genetic accuracy and increasing agricultural sustainability. Finally, this dairy farming revolution proactively responds to market needs, safeguarding the Italian dairy industry’s long-term viability.


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How Genomics and Phenotypes Influence Dry Matter Intake in Holstein Cows: Unlocking Profitable Dairy Farming

Learn how genomics and phenotypes affect dry matter intake in Holstein cows. Could breeding smaller cows make your dairy farm more profitable? Discover the answer here.

Maximizing efficiency involves more than just feeding your cows the right amount; it’s about enhancing their genetic potential. Researchers have found significant differences between phenotypic and genomic data on DMI, helping you tailor nutrition plans and breeding to boost performance. 

Leveraging genomic insights allows farmers to select traits for higher milk production and better feed efficiency, leading to a more profitable operation. 

This article delves into the latest research on DMI in US Holstein cows and how genomic and phenotypic data can transform your dairy farming practices to be more cost-effective and productive.

A Financial Game-Changer: Leveraging Genomic Insights for Accurate Feed Cost Management 

As a dairy farmer, understanding feed costs is vital for profitability. This study highlights the difference between genomic and phenotypic regressions in estimating these costs. Based on observable traits like milk, fat, and protein, phenotypic regressions provide a direct approach but often estimate lower feed costs than genetic data. 

This insight is crucial. Relying only on phenotypic data could lead to underestimating feed costs. Incorporating genomic data offers a clearer picture, helping you make better breeding and management decisions. You can optimize feed costs and boost profitability by selecting cows with efficient feed-to-milk conversion based on their genetic profile.

This study analyzes the impact of genomic and phenotypic factors on dry matter intake (DMI) in US Holstein cows. Using data from 8,513 lactations of 6,621 cows, it estimates the feed needed for milk production and body weight maintenance. Mixed models compare phenotypic and genomic regressions, revealing critical insights for nutrition management and breeding programs.

Diving into feed efficiency in Holstein cows, it’s critical to understand the difference between phenotypic and genomic regressions. Phenotypic regressions come from traits you can see, like milk yield, fat content, and protein levels. They show how much feed a cow needs based on its current characteristics. Genomic regressions, on the other hand, use genetic info to predict feed needs, focusing on the cow’s DNA and inherited traits. 

Why care? Phenotypic regressions are great for nutrition management in daily operations. They help you optimize feeding strategies and manage feed costs, ensuring your cows produce the best milk components. 

For breeding programsgenomic regressions are crucial. They let you pick cows with the best genetic traits for feed efficiency and higher milk production. This can boost your herd’s productivity and profitability over time.

Cracking the Code: How Genomic Data Outperforms Phenotypic Predictions in Dry Matter Intake

Understanding dry matter intake (DMI) in your Holstein cows can boost your herd’s productivity. By looking at phenotypic and genomic data, you can see the feed needs for milk components and body maintenance. Let’s compare these regressions. 

ComponentPhenotypic RegressionGenomic RegressionSire Genomic Regression
MilkLowHighModerate
FatLowHighModerate
ProteinLowHighModerate
Body Weight MaintenanceModerateModerateModerate

Regression values show how much a component like milk, fat, or protein affects dry matter intake (DMI). A “low” regression means a weak impact, while a “high” regression indicates a strong effect. “Moderate” falls in between. These insights help us understand the contribution of each component to feed efficiency and milk production.

The study reveals significant differences between phenotypic and genomic dry matter intake (DMI) predictions in Holstein cows. Genomic regressions generally showed higher values than phenotypic ones. Phenotypic regression for milk was 0.014 ± 0.006, while genomic was 0.08 ± 0.03. For fat, the figures were 3.06 ± 0.01 for phenotypic and 11.30 ± 0.47 for genomic. Protein followed this trend, with phenotypic at 4.79 ± 0.25 and genomic at 9.35 ± 0.87. This is crucial for understanding feed costs and revenue, especially for breeding programs focused on feed efficiency. 

According to the energy-corrected milk formula, the study also notes that fat production requires 69% more DMI than protein.

Maximizing Efficiency: Understanding ECM for Better Feed and Milk Management 

ComponentPhenotypic RegressionGenomic RegressionSire Genomic Regression x2
MilkLowHighMedium
FatLowHighMedium
ProteinLowHighMedium
Annual Maintenance (DMI/kg Body Weight)HighHighHigh

The energy-corrected milk (ECM) formula adjusts milk yield based on its fat and protein content, making it easier to compare milk production efficiency. ECM converts milk volume into a standardized energy value, allowing dairy farmers to manage feed intake and production better. 

The study’s observed data (phenotypic regressions) showed that producing fat requires significantly more dry matter intake (DMI) than producing protein. Specifically, it takes about 69% more DMI to make fat. Genomic data told a different story: it suggested fat production requires around 21% more DMI than protein. This highlights why genetic data can be more precise for nutritional and breeding strategies. 

These insights are crucial for optimizing feed strategies and breeding programs. By selecting cows that produce more milk components with less feed, farmers can lower costs and boost sustainability.

The Hidden Impact of Energy-Corrected Milk (ECM) on Feed Efficiency: Digging Deeper into DMI Demand

The energy-corrected milk (ECM) formula is vital for comparing milk’s energy content, considering fat, protein, and lactose. This standardization helps you gauge milk production accurately. 

The research reveals that fat production demands significantly more dry matter intake (DMI) than protein. Phenotypic data shows fat needs 69% more DMI than protein, while genomic data presents a complex picture: protein requires 21% more DMI, and sire genomic regressions indicate fat needs 35% more DMI than protein. 

These findings underscore the importance of genomic data for precise feed management. Using genomic evaluations for DMI can enhance herd efficiency and reduce feed costs, boosting profitability.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Maintenance: How Accurate Are Modern Evaluations for Holstein Cows?

Evaluation TypeRelative Annual Maintenance Need (kg DMI/kg Body Weight/Lactation)
Phenotypic RegressionMedium-High
Genomic RegressionMedium
Sire Genomic Regression (multiplied by 2)Medium-Low
NASEM (2021)Lower

When it comes to understanding the maintenance needs of your Holstein cows, this study sheds light on annual estimates. Phenotypic regressions clocked maintenance at 5.9 ± 0.14 kg DMI/kg body weight/lactation, genomic regressions at 5.8 ± 0.31, and sire genomic regressions at 5.3 ± 0.55. These figures are higher than NASEM (2021) estimates, suggesting that modern methods might provide more accurate data for feed management.

Strength: The Unmissable Factor in Holstein Performance and Feed Efficiency 

Type TraitAbility to Predict Feed Efficiency
StrengthHigh
Body DepthModerate
StatureLow
Dairy FormModerate
Front EndLow

When looking at type traits and their impact on Body Weight Composite (BWC) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI), it’s clear that not all traits are equal. Traits like stature, body depth, and strength play key roles in predicting body weight and DMI, but strength truly stands out. 

Strength isn’t just a physical trait; it’s a vital indicator of a cow’s ability to turn feed into body weight and milk. The study highlighted that strength is the most critical link to body weight and DMI. So, focusing on strength in genetic selection can lead to better management and performance. 

Prioritizing strength will boost your dairy operation’s efficiency and profitability. This will help select cows that excel at using feed efficiently, leading to a more productive and sustainable herd.

Revolutionizing Breeding Programs: Leveraging Genomic Insights for Enhanced Profitability 

The study provides crucial insights for refining breeding programs to enhance profitability. It shows that genomic dry matter intake (DMI) predictions are more accurate than phenotypic ones, emphasizing the need to incorporate these advanced evaluations into breeding strategies. Selecting cows based on their genetic potential for feed efficiency and milk production can offer significant financial benefits. 

Breeding programs can now target more miniature cows with harmful residual feed intake. These cows use less feed for maintenance but still produce more milk, fat, and protein, optimizing feed costs and boosting overall farm profitability. The focus shifts from increasing milk yield to making each pound of feed count more in milk components produced. 

The updated Net Merit formula now better includes these genomic evaluations, making it easier to select economically advantageous traits. Using these insights helps you make more informed decisions that support long-term profitability. This comprehensive strategy ensures that your breeding program is geared toward sustainable, profitable dairy farming. 

The Bottom Line

Harnessing phenotypic and genomic data is vital for optimizing dry matter intake (DMI) and boosting farm profitability. While phenotypic data offers day-to-day nutrition insights, genomic data provides a deeper, more accurate picture that’s crucial for breeding programs. You can better predict feed costs and milk production efficiency by focusing on genomic evaluations of traits like strength and body weight. This shift can help you cut feed expenses and maximize milk output, enhancing your farm’s profitability. Embrace genomic insights and watch your herd’s performance and bottom line improve.

Key Takeaways:

  • Genomic data provides more accurate predictions for DMI compared to phenotypic data, making it a better tool for breeding programs.
  • Fat production requires significantly more DMI than protein production according to genomic data, but the difference is less pronounced in phenotypic data.
  • Annual maintenance estimates for DMI are consistent across phenotypic and genomic data, both surpassing the current NASEM estimates.
  • Strength is the primary type trait linked to body weight and DMI in Holstein cows, aligning with the current body weight composite (BWC) formula.
  • Breeding programs optimized for profitability should focus on selecting smaller cows with negative residual feed intake that produce higher volumes of milk, fat, and protein.


Summary: The article discusses the significance of managing Dry Matter Intake (DMI) in US Holstein cows and how genomic and phenotypic data can improve dairy farming practices. DMI affects milk production, cow health, and farm profitability. Researchers found significant differences between phenotypic and genomic data on DMI, allowing dairy farmers to tailor nutrition plans and breeding to improve performance. Leveraging genomic insights allows farmers to select traits for higher milk production and better feed efficiency, leading to a more profitable operation. The study uses data from 8,513 lactations of 6,621 cows to analyze the impact of genomic and phenotypic factors on DMI in US Holstein cows. Phenotypic regressions are useful for nutrition management and breeding programs, while genomic regressions help select cows with the best genetic traits for feed efficiency and higher milk production.

Declining Dutch Milk Supply Contrast with Growing European Production; Prices Slightly Down

Explore the reasons behind the decline in Dutch milk supplies as European production rises. What does this mean for milk prices and the future of dairy farmers? Continue reading to uncover the details.

The divergence in milk supply trends between the Netherlands and Europe is a significant development. In April, Dutch dairy farmers produced 1.4% less milk than last year, while Europe witnessed a 0.6% rise in March and a 1.2% increase in the first quarter of 2024. 

The contrasting milk supply trends in Poland and Ireland, with a 4% growth and a 6% decline respectively in March, underscore the regional variations that significantly impact the dairy industry.

Dutch farmers are grappling with challenges such as bluetongue and reduced derogation, resulting in a 57 million kg (1.2%) drop in the first four months of 2024. However, the growth in Belgium, Germany, and France is helping to offset these declines, demonstrating the resilience of the dairy industry in the face of adversity. These mixed trends paint a complex but hopeful picture of the dairy industry landscape across Europe.

Cloudy Skies Over Dutch Dairy: April 2024 Milk Deliveries Slump

PeriodMilk Supply (million kg)Change Compared to Previous Year
January 20241,320-1.5%
February 20241,100-1.0%
March 20241,400-0.9%
April 20241,350-1.4%

The latest data paints a sobering picture of the Dutch milk supply. In April 2024, dairy farmers in the Netherlands faced a 1.4 percent decrease in milk deliveries compared to last year. This decline is part of a broader trend, with the first four months of 2024 seeing a total reduction of 57 million kilograms of milk, or a 1.2 percent drop, compared to the same period in 2023. Such statistics underscore significant challenges facing the Dutch dairy sector.

Factors Influencing Dutch Milk Decline: Disease and Regulation Tightening

It’s crucial to understand the factors that have led to the decline in Dutch milk supply. The main contributors are the aftermath of bluetongue disease, which affects cattle, and the reduction of special permissions allowing farmers to exceed EU nitrogen limits. These tighter restrictions on nitrogen usage mean less intensive dairy farming practices. By understanding these factors, stakeholders can be better informed about the challenges Dutch dairy farmers are facing.

Europe’s Milk River Flows Stronger: March 2024 Sees Notable Increase in Deliveries 

CountryMilk Supply Growth in March 2024
Poland+4%
Belgium+0.6%
Germany+0.6%
France+0.6%
Ireland-6%

While Dutch dairy farmers are experiencing a decline, Europe as a whole is showing a different trend. In March 2024, milk deliveries across Europe increased by 0.6 percent. The first quarter of 2024 saw European dairy farmers delivering 1.2 percent more milk than in 2023. Regions like Belgium, Germany, and France showed modest increases, indicating a stable milk collection across the EU despite challenges in places like Ireland. These contrasting trends are significant and should be noted by all stakeholders in the dairy industry.

Spotlight on Individual Countries: Poland’s Surge and Ireland’s Woes

CountryTrendPercentage Change
PolandIncrease+4%
IrelandDecrease-6%
BelgiumIncrease+0.6%
GermanySlight Increase+0.3%
FranceIncrease+0.6%
NetherlandsDecrease-1.2%

Looking closer at individual countries, you’ll see some clear trends. Poland is the most vigorous climber in March, showing a solid 4% increase in milk supply. This boost is thanks to favorable weather and better dairy farming practices. On the flip side, Ireland saw a significant drop, with a 6% decrease in milk supply due to extreme wetness impacting pasture conditions.

April Showers Bring Price Lowers: Tracking European Milk Price

CountryApril 2024 Price (€ per 100 kg)March 2024 Price (€ per 100 kg)% Change
Netherlands44.1044.30-0.45%
Belgium43.8543.95-0.23%
Germany44.2044.35-0.34%
France43.7543.85-0.23%
Poland43.6043.70-0.23%
Ireland42.8043.30-1.15%

European milk prices dipped slightly in April. The average was 43.97 euros per 100 kg, down by 0.49 euros from March. This small drop mainly stems from seasonal factors and specific challenges, like the wet weather in Ireland, which impacted bonuses.

Weather Woes and Economic Ripples: Unpacking the April Dip in European Milk Prices

Several factors contributed to the slight drop in European milk prices in April. A key factor was the removal of bonuses by some Irish factories due to extreme wetness in Ireland, which disrupted farming conditions. Additionally, stabilizing milk collections across Europe and a 6% decrease in energy costs in Q1 2024 also played roles. These combined influences created a ripple effect, slightly nudging average milk prices downward.

The Bottom Line

The milk supply in 2024 shows a clear contrast. Dutch dairy farmers saw a 1.4% drop in April deliveries due to bluetongue and new regulations. In contrast, European dairy producers enjoyed a 1.2% increase in the first quarter. However, April’s European milk price fell slightly to 43.97 euros per 100 kg, influenced by the removal of seasonal bonuses in Ireland.

Discover why Dutch milk supply is declining while European production grows. How will this impact milk prices and dairy farmers? Read more to find out.

  • The Netherlands saw a 1.4% decline in milk deliveries in April 2024 compared to April 2023.
  • From January to April 2024, Dutch milk supply decreased by 57 million kg (-1.2%) compared to the same period in 2023.
  • The decline in the Netherlands has been linked to the aftermath of bluetongue disease and stricter regulations reducing derogation allowances.
  • Conversely, European countries overall experienced a 0.6% increase in milk supply in March 2024.
  • Poland recorded the highest growth at 4% in March 2024, while Ireland faced the steepest decline at 6%.
  • Average European milk prices decreased slightly in April 2024 to 43.97 euros per 100 kg of milk.
  • The price drop was partially due to the removal of bonuses in Irish factories, attributed to extreme wet weather conditions.

Summary: Milk supply trends in the Netherlands and Europe have shown significant differences. Dutch dairy farmers experienced a 1.4% decrease in milk deliveries in April 2024 compared to last year and a 1.2% drop in 2023. This decline is part of a broader trend, with the first four months of 2024 seeing a total reduction of 57 million kg of milk. Factors influencing this decline include the aftermath of bluetongue disease and the reduction of special permissions allowing farmers to exceed EU nitrogen limits. In March 2024, Europe’s milk river flowed stronger, with deliveries increasing by 0.6%. Belgium, Germany, and France showed modest increases, while Poland saw a 4% increase due to favorable weather and better dairy farming practices. European milk prices slightly dropped in April.

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