Dairy
Milk production begins to significantly drop at this time of the year, meaning it takes longer to fill up the bulk tank.
The Dutch dairy industry is facing a new reality following the loss of its nitrates derogation for the 2026 season.
There is an abundance of grass on the majority of farms, but with minimal quality and nutrition in it, how is it affecting milk production?
Dairy Focus
John Dunne is milking 250 cows in partnership with wife Noreen and their son Billy alongside the Atlantic coast Ladysbridge, Co. Cork.
Low forage stocks and falling cow numbers are key factors expected to drive decline in milk production in Britain.
Liam Rochford is milking 152 cows outside Cleariestown in Co. Wexford, but only 58ha of the 160ha block are used for the dairy enterprise.
Now that we are in October, farmers must start deciding which cows should be culled and when to cull them.
Now we have entered the autumn months, farms will be looking to keep milk production stable ahead of the expensive winter months.
Global milk supplies seem to be steading, which has led to Irish milk prices finally taking a turn in the right direction.
Milk Price
The end of the drought is finally in sight as rainfall is reported nationwide, but where has it left milk production?
The effects of the drought continue to sting, as milk production has now fallen by €510/week for the average 100-cow herd.
Milk production inevitably begins to drop off in the second half of the year, but maintaining it for as long as possible is crucial.
What are the average milk production figures looking like on farm in the second half of the year as breeding wraps up?
Shrinking profit margins mean milk supply growth is "no longer economically viable" for Irish farmers, according to Rabobank.
Global milk collections grew by around 3.9% in March, with increases seen in all major production regions, according to Ornua.
Milk production has improved exponentially over the last couple of decades, with efficiency driven by factors such as advanced genetics.
Milk constituents will fluctuate at this time of the year, but it is still important to know if you herd is performing at the optimum level.
Agri-Business
The European Milk Board (EMB) has warned that record milk volumes are driving Europe towards the next price collapse.
Production of butter across the EU grew by 6.2% in 2025, when compared to the previous year, according to new data.
Delayed spring calving combined with "good economics" added to milk flows in late 2025 in the EU latest analysis shows.
N.Ireland
Ulster Bank is confirming that most of the sectors making up agriculture in Northern Ireland performed well in 2025.
The global dairy market is set to face a period of "weaker commodity prices" in the face of ample milk supplies, according to Rabobank.
Milk production has increased by an estimated 0.8% per year in the EU in the last decade according to a new report.
