Strong production, tested demand send milk prices crashing
Strong global milk production and rebalancing of demand among key buyers has delivered one of the biggest drops in whole milk powder prices in recent years.
While the banks are forecasting between $8.35 to $8.40/kgMS, Fonterra later this week, its forecast range for the season starting June 1.
Last week's GDT delivered good news: while the price index rose 3.3%, Chinese buyers returned after pulling back in the earlier May auction. Also, whole milk powder prices rose 2.9% to US$3,408/metric tonne.
Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold noted that auction was "another very strong one with gains across the board".
"All categories rose and wrong-footed futures markets, which again saw a much flatter result," says Eckhold.
"Chinese buyers returned this time after pulling back in the early May auction. Overall prices are now 10 per cent or so above their long-term averages. We can certainly see upside risk building to our milk price forecast of $8.40/kgMS for the 2024/25 season."
ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown believes farmers can hope for a farmgate milk price in the top half of Fonterra's guidance range ($7.50-$8.10/kgMS) this year.
"We remain comfortable with our $8.35/kgMS forecast."
