MADISON - May 22/14 - SNS -- Dairy market conditions in western and eastern Europe were reviewed in the latest report on the sector released by the USDA today.
WESTERN AND EASTERN EUROPE WESTERN OVERVIEW: Milk production in the EU continues to be strong, but has moved beyond the seasonal peak. Milk volumes have leveled off in Germany and have marginally declined in France. Favorable weather, good margins and the likelihood of lower farm gate prices in the future are prompting farmers to maximize milk production. Drying facilities are no longer operating at capacity levels as additional dryers have come online and milk volumes have begun to decline. Dairy commodity markets moved lower over the past two weeks. According to Eurostat, March milk production in the EU-28 was 5.6% above last year. Changes in March production from a year ago for selected countries are: Germany, +4.4%; France, +5.9%; Ireland, +0.4%; Netherlands, +4.6%; Denmark, +2.4%; Spain, +1.8% and the UK, +12.3%. The Eurostat estimates milk production EU-28 2013/14 quota year at 2.6% above the previous year. EASTERN OVERVIEW: Eastern Europe milk production is at the seasonal peak. Most dryers are working at near capacity. Skim condensed loads continue to be transported into the region from the west, but at lower volumes than two weeks ago. Lower dairy commodity prices across the board have improved export interest. March milk production, as reported by Eurostat, shows Poland 7.3% over year ago levels. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recorded increases of +8.9%, 12.3% and 6.5% respectively. Declines in Eastern Europe production occurred in the Czech Republic (-2.0%) and Slovakia (-0.3%). 0930c rick.whipp@ams.usda.gov 608.278.4151 USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews Dairy Market News database portal: www.marketnews.usda.gov/portal/da
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STAT News Service
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