Milch Cockpit, 01.03.2019

(AMI) - In terms of deliveries of raw milk, the European market initially started at a high level in 2018. In March and April, however, the late frosts dampened the raw material attack in the dairies. After renewed expansionary tendencies over the middle of the year, the heat and drought, which had a firm grip on large parts of western and northern Europe during the summer months, showed their effects. Regionally, the feed situation was very critical because not enough basic feed was available. Although feed additives were available, they were much more expensive due to the shortage of crops. As a result, from September onwards delivery volumes fell increasingly below the previous year's level. Overall, from January to December 2018, dairies in the EU recorded around 156.9 million t according to the current data. This was just under 1.3 million tonnes or 0.8% more milk than in 2017. As a result, a new European delivery record was achieved last year. Significant volume growth in Germany In the individual Member States, rising aggregate trends from January to December dominated the picture. This was the case in 17 countries.At 1.8%, volume growth was more pronounced in the accession countries than in the old Member States, where growth averaged 0.7%. The largest increase was in 2018 in Germany. At just under 0.6 million tonnes, around 43% of the EU's additional milk production was recorded here. However, the monthly increase was limited to the first three quarters. At the end of the year, however, dairies had less milk available for processing. By far, Ireland and Poland, each with around 0.3 million t, follow in the ranking of milk volume changes.