European Dairy Market Summary

MADISON - Apr 30/15 - 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:
Western European milk production is increasing seasonally, but reportedly
below year ago levels.  Milk delivery data for the first two months of 2015
shows a decline from year ago levels.  Milk production growth in April
following the end of quota system has been below the expectations of many in
the dairy industry.  Dairy product production schedules are mixed with cheese
and whole milk powder production restricted, while production of butter and
skim milk powder has marginally increased.  Estat - Newcronos reported EU-28
January-February 2015 milk deliveries down 1.0% compared to last year.
Selected member states showed the following January-February percentage
changes compared to the same period last year: Germany, -1.6%; France, -1.9%;
UK, -0.3%; Belgium, -2.7%; Italy, -0.1%; and Ireland, -5.5%.
EASTERN OVERVIEW:
Eastern European milk production is expanding along the typical seasonal
trend.  Weather conditions are improving and prompting increased forage
growth and increasing cow comfort levels.  The seasonal peak remains a number
of weeks away. Skim milk powder production has been expanded in some Eastern
European countries, especially Poland.  European milk deliveries for January-
February 2015 reported by Estat - Newcronos, showed the following changes for
selected countries compared to the same period last year: Poland,+0.2%;
Lithuania, +2.7%; Latvia, -0.7%; Estonia, -3.1%; and the Czech Republic,
+3.6%.
0930c rick.whipp@ams.usda.gov 608.557.7004
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home

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STAT News Service