This record-breaking output was not the result of ideal environmental conditions. The article highlights that pasture growth was actually marginally lower than the previous year and the 20-year average. Instead, NZX markets analyst Lewis Hoggard attributes the strong performance to a high farmgate milk payout, which has successfully incentivized more farmers to engage in winter milking, a trend that is reshaping the country’s dairy economics.

The record production was made possible by a significant increase in feed input. A key piece of data reveals that palm kernel imports, a common supplement for dairy cattle, rose by 29.7% over a rolling 12-month average. This strategic investment by farmers demonstrates a proactive approach to maximizing milk yield and maintaining high output, even when natural forage is less abundant.

Looking ahead, the momentum is expected to continue. According to the NZX Milk Production Predictor, the industry is on track for more records. The forecast anticipates a 1.1% year-on-year increase for August and a 1% increase for September. Both of these predictions would result in new monthly records, continuing the historic production streak and cementing the industry’s strong trajectory.