Ireland Sees 13.3 Million Litre Decline in Domestic Milk Intake by Processors and Co-ops in June 2024

In terms of milk composition, the fat content for June 2024 rose to 4.01%, up from 3.98% in June 2023. Protein content showed a slight increase from 3.39% to 3.42% over the same period.

Despite the overall decline in milk intake, butter production saw an increase, rising from 30,600 tonnes in June 2023 to 31,400 tonnes in June 2024, an increase of 800 tonnes. Conversely, skimmed milk powder production decreased by 1,700 tonnes, from 20,200 tonnes in June 2023 to 18,600 tonnes in June 2024.

Sam Scriven, Senior Statistician in the agriculture section of the CSO, commented, “The figures released today show that domestic milk intake by milk processors and co-ops in June 2024 fell marginally compared with the same month in 2023.”

The CSO's milk statistics are derived from a monthly survey of approximately 31 dairy processors and supplier co-ops across the country, a practice that started in the 1970s.

The data indicates that domestic milk intake has decreased each month since the beginning of 2024 when compared to the same months in 2023. From January to June 2024, domestic milk intake was estimated at 4.35 billion litres, reflecting a decline of 242.6 million litres, or 5.3%, compared to the same period in 2023. Compared to January to June 2022, domestic milk intake was down by 284.8 million litres.