Recent analysis for Kingshay costings herds indicates that there is still pressure on margins due to the UK milk oversupply, there are however signs of optimism as some processors have begun to hold milk prices where possible. February’s average milk price dropped to 35.21ppl, a 24% decrease compared with February 2025.
Concentrate prices averaged £296/tonne for February 2026, 4% lower than the same month last year and the lowest feed prices have been for four years.
The average margin over purchased feed for the month was £173 per cow, a sharp decrease of 25% compared to the same month last year.
Milk from forage averaged 8.3 litres/cow/day, a huge 20% increase compared with February 2025. February 2026 milk yields, have also seen a rise by 6% to 29.3 litres/cow/day compared to the same month last year, adding to the rise in milk yields and the ongoing over supply to the milk market.
Rolling trends for the year ending February 2026 include -
- Concentrate use per cow was up 2.6% compared to last year at 3019kg/cow.
- Margin over purchased feed per litre was up 2.1% on last year to 31.47ppl.
- Bulk cell counts decreased to 151 (‘000).
- Yields averaged 8,878 litres per cow, increasing by 3.1% compared to the 12 months ending February 2025.
- Milk from forage was up 4.7% compared to the preceding 12 months to 2,581 litres per cow, providing 29% of total yield.
- Purchased feed costs were 11.28ppl, a decrease of 3.3% compared to last year, with concentrate prices of £300/tonne compared to £311/tonne in the previous year.
- Milk price was similar at 42.75ppl compared to the same month last year.
Click here for the full results.
More in-depth analysis of herds using Kingshay’s costings service can be found in Kingshay’s Dairy Costings Focus Report or call 01458 851555 for more details.
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If you are interested in analysing and comparing your herd’s figures with other similar herds, give us a call on 01458 851555. More details of this simple and easy-to-use service can be found here.