New Zealand: most plant schedules are very full [News Oceania n°20/2019]

Period: October 14 – 25, 2019

Milk production in Australia is near the seasonal peak. It is considered quite unlikely for seasonal results to match last season.
Northern Australia has limited hay availability, due to dry conditions. Manu dairy producers are apprehensive that hay demand will exceed regionally produced supply. There are hay shipments from other regions.

In New Zealand most pastures are in good condition, thanks to warmer temperatures. Most plant schedules are very full right now, in particular many WMP plants are near capacity.

According to New Zealand milk production data for September, on a MilkSolids basis, milk production was up 0.7%, but it was down 0.7% on a tonnage basis. This situation suggests that pasture quality was better this September than last September. Season to date milk production on a tonnage basis record +0.73%.

Dairy commodities prices

Butter prices in Oceania are higher. New Zealand production is increasing, benefitting from milk availability.

Also SMP prices are higher, reflecting strong buying interest. Most regular customers are stocked for current needs. Negotiations for deliveries in the coming months are continuing. Some plants continue to favor WMP production.

WMP prices are steady. Strong export demand has kept WMP flowing and encouraged very active production.

Oceania Cheddar prices are lower. Many Buyers are stocked for current needs. There has been a shift in milk away from some cheese plants into WMP.

- Assessments about market trend are expressed in US$;
– Dairy season: July, 1st – June, 30th (Australia), June, 1st – May, 31st (New Zealand);
– Source: USDA summarized by the CLAL Team