Dairy Prices in Paraguay Hold Steady Despite Scorching Temperatures

Hugo Kehler, president of the Paraguayan Association of Milk Producers and Breeders of Dairy Breeds (Aprole), has stated that the high temperatures have negatively impacted dairy production in the country.

However, despite this challenging situation, there will not be a price increase for dairy products at this time.

Kehler has noted that the extreme heat and high humidity have severely affected milk production as well as animal reproduction, which is crucial for maintaining milk supply throughout the year. The impact is evident, with estimations that production might have decreased by about 5%.

He also emphasized that the issue extends beyond production, as the reproduction of cows becomes significantly difficult during such high temperatures.

Producers are making substantial investments in better ventilation and spraying systems to optimize conditions for milking and food consumption. Additionally, diets are adapted to be more cost-effective, ensuring cows receive adequate nutrition without excessive intake.

The export of dairy products saw a decline in 2024 compared to previous years, yet the increasing domestic consumption helped to balance the reduced exports. The import of dairy products has also gone down, leading to a greater demand for domestically produced milk.