Domestic milk intake by milk processors and co-ops around the country was estimated at 267.1 million litres in December 2024, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This figure represents an increase of 61.8 million litres or 30.1% compared to December 2023.

The latest data shows also shows that this is 15.7 million litres or 5.5% fewer than volumes collected in December 2022.

Fat content for December 2024 was 4.83%, up slightly from 4.79% in December 2023. Protein content rose from 3.70% to 3.80% in the 12 months to December 2024.

Commenting on the figures, statistician in the agriculture section of the CSO, Stephanie Kelleher, said:

"The domestic milk intake for the period January to December 2024 was at 8.43 billion litres, a fall of 0.4% compared with January to December 2023."

According to the CSO, skim milk powder production decreased from 167,200t in 2023, to 138,800t in 2024, down 28,300t or 17%.

Butter production was 267,600t, which is lower than the 273,200t in December 2023.

In 2024, the total milk sold for human consumption was 478.5 million litres, which is lower than the 497.7 million litres sold in 2023.

In other dairy related news, the Oruna Purchase Price Index (PPI) for the month of January has increased.

January's PPI is 161.9, which is up on the December index of 159.3.

After deducting estimated processing costs, Ornua’s PPI “implies” an indicative return of 48.3c/L, including VAT for milk of 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein.

This represents an increase from the previous month of 47.6c/L.

According to Ornua “the results reflect strong market returns for the month of January”.

It also stated that the PPI relates to product settlements or payments for the month and for reasons of seasonality “is not directly aligned with milk production and payment”.