- Cream price under pressure but still historically high31 January 2017
The bulk cream spot price has fallen 10% for the second time in two months. Since the Christmas demand was covered, prices have been under pressure from signals of higher milk production (from UK and EU) and influenced by currency movements. - AHDB plans to boost UK dairy exports26 January 2017
AHDB Dairy is focusing its attention on increasing export markets for British dairy produce. British Dairying asks Jean-Pierre Garnier, AHDB head of exports, what the campaign involves and what are its aspirations. - Chinese dairy imports to rise this year25 January 2017
China’s dairy imports are expected to rise by 20% in 2017, in liquid milk equivalent terms, according to Rabobank. - Reduced reliance on promotions adds value to milk market24 January 2017
A shift in the frequency and type of promotions over the past year has led to growth in the value of the retail liquid milk market. While total sales have declined slightly in the year to 1 January 2017, the total value of the market increased by £26m (0.8%). - Milk to feed price ratio continuing to move up23 January 2017
Earlier this year, the milk to feed price ratio (MFPR) fell to its lowest level for a number of years at just 0.88. However, since the end of the summer, the ratio has been steadily recovering. By November, the ratio had increased to 1.02 (up 0.14 compared with June), the first time it has exceeded 1 since Dec 15. Despite the rise, the ratio in November still remained below the 5-year average, which is currently sitting at 1.07. - No SMP sold in latest EU tender – what’s the impact?20 January 2017
The latest (third) tender process for the sale of SMP sitting in intervention saw bids for nearly 7.5k tonnes of product but nothing sold. - Global production peak at 3-year low19 January 2017
Milk production from the five main exporting nations has recorded its lowest October peak in three years. Global milk supplies normally increase in October due to the timing of Oceania’s peak production period. This year, however, New Zealand (NZ) has seen their lowest peak since 2012 while Australia is currently running at a 9-year low. - Forward prices still showing a premium18 January 2017
AHDB Dairy’s Forward Market Performance (FMP) indicator is continuing to show a premium over current prices. The latest numbers show that, despite wholesale prices increasing over the last few months, those trading futures still believe demand will outstrip supply in the spring. - Sterling firms following announcement of Brexit plans18 January 2017
Rather than compounding the declining value of Sterling against the Euro, the announcement of the government’s plans for exiting the EU have instead provided some reassurance to markets. This pushed Sterling back above €1.15 after a week of declining values. - NVZ Designations and Appeals16 January 2017
Defra has announced the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) for 2017-20. NVZs are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. They include about 58% of land in England. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reviews NVZs every 4 years to account for changes in water pollution.