The 2007/08 milk year finished a staggering 1billion litres under quota before year-end adjustments and more than 250ml less than last year’s all time low output.

 

The various adjustments that will be made by the RPA will leave the final outcome less drastically under quota but nevertheless the deficit will still be substantial. In the month of March alone volume production was more than 35ml down on last year.

 

Temporary conversions will presumably result in the national wholesale quota being reduced as direct sellers cover their sales and the butterfat output at 4.06%, some 8 points above base will effectively add approximately 200ml on to production.

 

If the RPA comply with recent history they will be in a position to advise provisional year-end figures in the latter part of June.