Strong increase in milk volumes in past two weeks - survey
Spring milk volumes increased strongly in the last two weeks as rising temperatures led to a surge in grass growth, according to a new survey.
The latest Calving Insights survey from FRS Co-Op shows that dairy farmers have had to grapple with weak grass growth for most of March, despite the dry weather and excellent grazing conditions.
The nationwide survey of FRS Co-Op farm operators found that grass growth has picked up significantly across the country, leading to a pickup in milk solids production.
Spring calving was reported as 89% complete on average across the country by the first week of April, while in Leinster calving progress stood at 85% on average across client farms.
Calving was over 90% complete on average across farms in Munster, while in the west and border counties, spring calving progress averaged almost 90% on client farms.
The survey showed that weak grass growth levels for most of March forced many farmers to increase concentrate levels and feed silage by night to bolster early milk volumes.
However, the warmer weather of the past 10 days has provided a much-needed boost for grass growth, and production levels on dairy farms are beginning to take off.
“Compared to the weather conditions which defined last year’s calving season, spring 2025 couldn’t have been any different," Ronan Skelly, farm services manager at FRS Co-Op, said.
"The dry weather for most of this spring has translated into a smooth calving season with no major animal health problems on farms around the country.
“The latest FRS Co-Op Calving Insights survey reveals that the improved weather conditions have also translated into a strong improvement in milk production levels this spring.
"In certain parts of the country, farm operators are reporting milk production volumes are up as much as 10% compared to last year, which is a welcome start to the 2025 milking season for farmers.
“Overall, with the spring calving season now almost over with 90% of cows calved on average across the country, farmers will be turning their attention to the breeding season and the final fertiliser allocations ahead of first cut silage," he added.
FRS Co-Op, which is headquartered in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, is the largest employer of farm labour in Europe.
Founded in 1980, the business currently employs 2,000 staff and generates annual revenues of around €100 million.
