Milk yields in Ireland decline despite rising fat content

Ireland recorded a significant decline in average daily milk yields in early November 2026 amid a seasonal deterioration in forage quality. According to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), average milk production between October 27 and November 6 stood at 14.66 kg per cow per day, compared with 16.15 kg in mid-October. This represents a decline of 1.49 kg, or approximately 9.2%, over just a few weeks.

Despite lower milk yields, average milk fat content continued to increase, reaching 5.02%, compared with 4.97% in mid-October. Meanwhile, protein content declined from 4.26% to 4.19%. As a result, average daily milk fat and protein solids production fell from 1.44 kg to 1.34 kg per cow. This indicates that higher fat content has not been sufficient to offset losses resulting from lower overall milk production.

Current figures are also below last year’s levels. During the corresponding period in 2025, average daily milk yields stood at 15.67 kg per cow, with fat content at 5% and protein content at 4.15%. Total milk fat and protein solids production reached 1.42 kg per cow. Therefore, current milk yields are approximately 6.4% lower year-on-year, despite slightly higher milk fat content.

The latest ICBF data cover 140.45 thsd cows across 1,253 dairy farms that underwent milk recording over a ten-day period. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 1.13 mln cows from 8,944 farms have been recorded in Ireland. The decline in productivity in late autumn is primarily associated with the seasonal deterioration in pasture quality, requiring farmers to adjust feeding rations ahead of winter.

Teagasc specialists recommend that dairy farms pay particular attention to balanced nutrition, milk quality control and herd optimization. To maintain financial stability during winter, farmers are advised to build working capital reserves of approximately €500 per cow. Meanwhile, maintaining adequate milk fat and protein solids output remains an important source of farm income, particularly during the seasonal decline in milk yields.

Tags: Milk, Ireland, dairy product