Milk

Australian milk production decreased by nearly 80 million litres, or 0.9%, to 9,101 million litres in 2010/11. This reflected a second consecutive season of improved conditions with plentiful water, lower input costs and strong milk prices.  However, conditions did vary significantly around the country; from very dry conditions in south-west Western Australia over most of the season, to a major cyclone and severe flooding across most of Queensland from late-2010 into early-2011.  Parts of the New South Wales coast, northern and eastern Victoria also experienced widespread flooding during the year.

View Australian milk production graph

Milk production is concentrated in the temperate zone of Australia. Milk production is seasonal in the south-east, reflecting the pasture-based nature of the industry. Milk production peaks in October and tapers off until late-summer.  The production of long shelf-life manufactured products in these parts of the country has enabled maximum milk utilisation within the seasonal cycle. However, the seasonality of milk output in QLD, NSW and WA is less pronounced, due to a greater focus on drinking milk and fresh products in these states. Farmers in these states manage calving and feed systems to ensure more even year-round production.

Milk production (million litres)by state

* From July 2005, data collection based on farm location
Source: Dairy Manufacturers