National statistics

United Kingdom milk prices and composition of milk - February statistics (published 19 March 2020)

Updated 25 February 2021

1.1 Key messages

• This release shows the latest information on average farm-gate milk prices, volumes and the butterfat and protein content of UK produced milk.

• The UK average farm-gate milk price for February 2020 is 28.62 pence per litre (ppl). This represents a 0.5% (0.15 ppl) decrease on January 2020 and a 2.5% decrease on the same month last year. (Figure 1.2).

• Butterfat is up 0.7% on last month at 4.18%. Compared to last year butterfat is 2.2% higher than February 2019. (Figures 1.3a).

• Protein is up 0.2% on last month at 3.37%. Compared to last year protein is 1.0% higher than February 2019. (Figures 1.3b).

• February volumes are 1,166 million litres down 6.1% on January 2020 and 0.9% higher than February 2019. (Figure 1.4).

1.2 United Kingdom farm-gate milk price (pence per litre)

1.3 Average butterfat and protein content of United Kingdom produced milk

1.3a. Butterfat %

1.3b. Protein %

1.4 United Kingdom wholesale milk production (million litres)

1.5 Percentage change in key items: February 2020 compared to February 2019

1.6 Trends

Figures 1.2 to 1.4 above show the values for the latest 12 months along with the maximum and minimum monthly values. There is a strong positive correlation between milk composition (butterfat and protein content) and milk price. Despite higher than normal butterfat and protein content we have not had the peak in price that we have seen in previous years. This suggests that the underlying price is falling and offsetting any bonus from the higher butterfat and protein content.

1.7 Retrospective payments

Some companies make retrospective bonus payments. We do not reflect these payments in the monthly milk price figures. The annual average price for farm-gate milk in 2018, including retrospective payments, is 29.69 ppl, 0.43 ppl more than the annual average price without retrospective payments (29.26 ppl). In 2018 total retrospective payments were 2.8% higher than 2017 at £63.1 million.

A retrospective payment is when a company makes a payment to a farmer that is outside the normal contract price they receive and is generally paid on prior production, for example profit sharing.

1.8 Revisions and estimates

Actual Northern Ireland data has replaced estimates for January. UK Price data for January has changed to 28.76 ppl, while volumes decreased by 0.001% to 1,242.7 million litres. This has not affected the overall butterfat or protein content.

England and Wales survey response in February was 90%. Northern Ireland data for February 2020 is an estimate.

National Statistics status

National Statistics status means that our statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value, and it is our responsibility to maintain compliance with these standards. The statistics last underwent a full assessment [Assessment Report 271 Statistics on Agriculture] against the Code of Practice for Statistics in 2014. Since the latest review by the Office for Statistics Regulation, we have continued to comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics and have enhanced data quality by reviewing methodologies and data sources. The next update of this monthly notice is at 09:30 on 23rd April 2020.

Enquiries to: Julie Rumsey, Tel: +44 (0) 208 026 6306

email: julie.rumsey@defra.gov.uk

Defra, Rm 201,
Foss House,
Kings Pool,
1-2 Peasholme Green,
York,
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