Report 49 – Released on December 3, 2020

AUSTRALIA:

Dairy producers in Australia are concerned with the heat wave which has covered much of the country. With summer about to begin, sources note that temperatures in some interior areas have reached 113 degrees already. Typically, the hottest temperatures are recorded in January. Hundreds of wildfires have already been reported in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Recalling the massive fires last year which generated smoke that circled the earth there is great apprehension as to whether this early extreme heat is a harbinger of things to come.

NEW ZEALAND:

October 2020 New Zealand milk solids reported by DCANZ and CLAL, 267,666 million kg, are up0.28 percent from October 2019 milk solids, 266,907 million kg. October 2020 milk production, 3,240 million MT, is up 0.84 percent from October 2019, 3,213 million MT.  Seasonal milk solids (June – October 2020) are up 1.84 percent YOY. Total seasonal milk production through October leads last season by 2.07 percent.

Unusually dry New Zealand weather is causing increasing concern about adverse impacts on milk production moving through summer. Observers believe relief from rain is needed to maintain higher milk output than last season.