In April 2024, milk collection increased by 0.1% compared to April 2023, maintaining steady growth since the beginning of the year. Over the period from January to April, cumulative collection increased by 0.5% compared to 2023, even taking into account the leap year effect.
Over the same period, in terms of useful dry matter (USM), collection also increased by 0.5% compared to 2023. In particular due to thanks to the better protein levels which compensated for the reduction in fat.
“The very good quality of the corn silage harvested in 2023 has a positive impact on the collection, an effect that should last until next fall before the transition to the new harvest”indicates the Livestock Institute (Idele).
Collection on the rise in the Grand Est
The growth in milk collection varies by region. The Grand Est region has shown strong growth of 4.4% cumulatively since January, while The Pays de la Loire has resumed good progress with an increase of 1.6%. Hauts-de-France maintains a positive dynamic despite the heavy autumnal storms (+ 0.6%). On the other hand, Brittany remains stable and Normandy records a slight decline of 0.5%.
Load stability
On the economic side, in April 2024, the price of standard milk in France was €448/1,000 l, down €3 compared to the previous month and €7 compared to last year. “Since the beginning of the year, the price of milk has been close to €450/1,000 l and should remain stable in the coming months,” specifies Idele.
The agricultural production means purchase price index (Ipampa) for cow’s milk indicates stability in livestock costs in April 2024 compared to the previous month (- 0.3%) and a decrease of 4.6% compared to April 2023. Feed and fertilizer costs continue to decline respectively by 13% and 20% over one year, although energy costs remain high.
The margin for Inputs and charges, estimated at €151/1,000 l in April, fell by €2 compared to the previous month due to a slight decrease in the price of milk, despite an improvement in animal sales and a slight decrease in expenses.
Semi-skimmed milk sales up 6.3% compared to 2023
In store, between April 21 and May 19, 2024, Dairy sales volume increased by 2.5% compared to 2023. A trend that has been confirmed since the beginning of the year.
Indeed, Cumulative sales of dairy products are up 0.6% compared to last year. Since January, some products have recorded a sharp increase in sales. Sales of semi-skimmed milk have increased by 6.3% compared to 2023 and those of whole milk increased by 5.9% while Specific milks fell by 7.6%. Purchases of light cream increased by 4.3% thanks to a more attractive price and now represent 43% of cream volumes purchased in stores.
