The new episode of B2Cheese Dairy News looks at how heat is directly affecting the milk market. Following the heatwaves of recent weeks, milk collection in Northern Italy is showing significant declines, while spot milk in Europe is once again coming under pressure.
High temperatures are having a major impact on milk production.
The availability of whole milk is limited and unable to meet demand, with prices rising. Skimmed milk, on the other hand, is virtually absent from the market. The national picture is also tense: spot milk is recording sharp increases, supported by lively demand and decreasing volumes.
Ventilation, cooling systems and misting in barns are not enough to stop the decline in production, which can range from 5% in the first days of abnormal weather conditions to more than 10% after prolonged periods of intense heat, especially when there is no drop in temperatures at night.
The heatwave is also affecting animal management. Farmers are reporting weaker calves, more complex health recovery, an increase in mastitis and higher somatic cell counts. The issue therefore also concerns herd welfare and the quality of the raw material.
Pastures are suffering from the lack of rain: the grass is dry, water is scarce and the quality of fresh green forage is declining. This situation is creating knock-on effects for both farmers and cheesemakers, threatening the sustainability of artisanal and traditional cheeses, especially mountain pasture cheeses.
The effects of the heat are also being felt along the supply chain. Cream prices are rising sharply, with limited availability and demand in line with the summer season. In Italy, quotations for Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano have increased; across Europe’s main commodity cheeses, heat and reduced milk collection are already supporting price rises, with further increases expected in the third quarter.
Heat, therefore, is not just an agricultural variable, but a real market factor. It affects milk availability, prices, the quality of raw materials and industrial choices. B2Cheese Dairy News will continue to monitor how the situation evolves in the coming weeks.
Watch the full video.
