Great Britain’s dairy sector is experiencing the impact of extreme summer weather, with recent heatwaves significantly reducing milk production and temporarily shifting the market from oversupply to undersupply. According to analysis by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), GB milk production is estimated to be down by 18.5 million litres following a series of heatwaves that brought record temperatures above 35°C in May, June and July 2026.
The first heatwave in late May, when temperatures reached 35.1°C, is estimated to have reduced production by around 5.8 million litres, while the second heatwave at the end of June, which saw a record 37.7°C on 26 June, resulted in an estimated 12.7 million-litre loss. Heat stress has reduced feed intake, rumination and milk yields, while high night-time temperatures have prevented cows from recovering fully.
The supply disruption has already pushed spot milk prices up by around 10 pence per litre, with reports of prices rising to 38–48 pence per litre, while bulk cream prices have strengthened as processors compete for tighter milk supplies. Although analysts expect the market reaction to be temporary as global production remains strong, the report highlights that more frequent extreme weather events could make heat-stress mitigation, improved housing, cooling systems, shade management and climate-resilient dairy practices increasingly important for the long-term sustainability of the UK’s dairy industry. (ahdb.org.uk)
Source: Dairynews7x7 20 July, 2026 Read full article here
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