The latest analysis of herds using Kingshay’s dairy costings service show that milk prices for February 2023 are continuing to decrease monthly at 47.94ppl compared to 49.8ppl in January 2023, although milk prices are still 34% higher compared to the same month of the previous year. Whilst milk prices are starting to fall, concentrate prices per tonne are also expected to decrease, currently 31% higher at £379/tonne compared to February 2022. Total concentrate use was similar at 0.34 kg/litre in February 2023, however all purchased feed cost/litre rose by 27% to 13.91ppl
Overall, the margin over purchased feed per cow was 40% higher in February 2023 at £236/cow, compared to £168/cow last year. Although this needs to cover other costs that have also risen significantly such as fuel, fertiliser and electricity costs.
Yield per cow increased slightly by 2% at 27.9 litres per cow/day compared to the same month last year.
Other rolling trends for the year ending February 2023 include -
- Average herd size stayed similar at 217 cows in herd.
- Yields averaged 8,474 litres per cow, a 0.6% decrease on last year.
- Milk from forage decreased by 62 litres per cow to average 2,757 litres per cow.
- Cell counts remained low at 159 (‘000).
- Milk price increased to 45.34ppl from 31.60ppl, a rise of 43.5%
- Purchased feed costs of 12.08ppl were higher compared to last year with a rise of 29.5%, with annual concentrate prices averaging £349/tonne compared to £273/tonne the previous year.
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.
Analyse your Profit Manager results for the year ending March 2023 now -
- Proportion costs to the Dairy Enterprise
- Analyse the true costs of production for your herd
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.