The latest May figures for Kingshay herds continue to highlight the positive rise in milk from forage figures compared to the same time last year. Milk from forage averaged 11.2 litres/cow/day, a 9% increase compared with May 2025. Compared with last year, the combination of warm weather and more regular rainfall has supported stronger grass growth, helping to improve conditions for silage cuts, which should hopefully continue to reflect a positive milk from forage.
May 2026 milk yields have remained the same at 28.7 litres/cow/day compared with the same month last year. The average milk price for May 2026 fell to 33.91ppl, which is 22% lower than in May 2025, but up slightly compared to the previous month (Apr 2026 was 33.75ppl).
Concentrate prices averaged £297/tonne for May 2026, 2% 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 £194 per cow, a steep decrease of 27% compared to the same month last year.
Rolling trends for the year ending May 2026 include -
- Concentrate use per cow was up 0.8% compared to last year at 3007kg/cow.
- Margin over purchased feed per litre was down 9.9% on last year to 29.16ppl.
- Bulk cell counts decreased to 152 (‘000).
- Yields averaged 8,947 litres per cow, increasing by 3.4% compared to the 12 months ending May 2025.
- Milk from forage was up 10.3% compared to the preceding 12 months to 2,695 litres per cow, providing 30% of total yield.
- Purchased feed costs were 11.20ppl, a decrease of 2.9% compared to last year, with concentrate prices of £297/tonne compared to £306/tonne in the previous year.
- Milk price was similar at 40.36ppl compared to the same month last year.
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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.