Slight decline expected for New Zealand dairy production

News

Slight decline expected for New Zealand dairy production

The U.S. Foreign Ag Service says milk production is expected to decline some in New Zealand in 2022 after a record 2021.

In its annual report, the FAS office says the half of a percent decline is more in line with recent growth and accounts for slightly lower cow numbers and normal weather.  Strong milk prices are up 30 percent since the beginning of the 2020/2021 marketing year and are expected to stay firm, supported by strong exports.

The FAS says New Zealand closing its borders has not impacted milk supplies or processing, but farms are experiencing extreme labor shortages and shipping delays because of logistical issues.

Exports to China were up 45 percent for the first eight months of 2021.

U.S. Foreign Ag Service, New Zealand, China, milk, dairy, USDA, milk production, dairy processing, exports,