Great Britain’s Milk Deliveries Fell 2.5% in September
September deliveries remained below last year
Figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), reported on October 15th, show that Great Britain’s dairy farmers supplied an average of 33.27m litres of milk a day in September. Estimated production for the month was 998m litres, down by 26m litres, or 2.5%, from September 2025.
The annual decline was less severe than August’s 4.4% contraction. Deliveries began September 6.6m litres below the previous year’s level and 0.6m litres under the five-year average. They moved above that five-year average during the first week of the month.
Seasonal conditions offered some relief
For the milk year to October 3, covering the period from April, supplies across Great Britain were 2.3% lower than in the corresponding period of 2025. Weekly deliveries in the period ending October 3 were down 2.8% year on year.
The slower rate of decline in September coincided with lower temperatures and the recovery of pastures after dry conditions. A move towards autumn calving was also identified as a factor supporting milk availability.
Farm costs continued to rise
Dairy farmers faced higher operating expenses despite some improvement in milk prices during early autumn. Feed costs were expected to increase because of dry conditions in important growing areas. Fuel, fertiliser and energy prices remained affected by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The availability and price of forage and straw were additional concerns ahead of the winter feeding period. Labour costs also added to pressure on farm profitability. Bluetongue remained an animal-health concern, with possible effects on livestock health and reproductive performance. The southwest of England may have experienced a particularly notable effect on milk output, while reports said that most farmers had vaccinated their animals.
Forecast points to a further fall
The latest forecast puts Great Britain’s milk production in the 2026/27 milk year 2.2% below the previous year. The supply outlook affects dairy processors, cheese manufacturers, butter producers and other businesses that rely on raw milk. Processors are reviewing milk sourcing and production planning as farmers prepare for winter.
