United Kingdom milk prices and composition of milk statistics notice - May 2022 statistics (published 30 June 2022)
Updated 2 March 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/historical-statistics-notices-on-uk-milk-prices-and-composition-of-milk-2022/united-kingdom-milk-prices-and-composition-of-milk-statistics-notice-may-2022-statistics-published-30-june-2022
1.1 Key messages
-
This release shows the latest information on average farm-gate milk prices, volumes and the butterfat and protein content of UK produced milk.
-
The UK average farm-gate milk price for May 2022 is 40.39 pence per litre (ppl). This represents a 5.0% (1.94 ppl) increase on April 2022 and a 34% increase on the same month last year. (Figure 1.2).
-
Butterfat decreased 2.1% from last month at 4.09%. Compared to last year, butterfat is 0.1% lower than May 2021. (Figures 1.3a).
-
Protein is decreased 0.1% from last month at 3.35%. Compared to last year, protein is 0.1% higher than May 2021. (Figures 1.3b).
-
May volumes are 1,390 million litres, up 4.5% on April 2022 and 1.1% lower than May 2021. (Figure 1.4).
1.2 United Kingdom farm-gate milk price (pence per litre)
1.3 Average butterfat and protein content of United Kingdom produced milk
1.3a. Butterfat %
1.3b. Protein %
1.4 United Kingdom wholesale milk production (million litres)
1.5 Percentage change in key items: May 2022 compared to May 2021
| Item | Percentage change |
|---|---|
| Milk price | 34.0 |
| Milk volume | -1.1 |
| Butterfat | -0.1 |
| Protein | 0.1 |
1.6 Trends
Figures 1.2 to 1.4 above show the values for the latest 12 months along with the maximum and minimum monthly values. There is a generally a strong positive correlation between milk composition (butterfat and protein content) and milk price. However, in the last year, milk prices have continually risen and are at the highest level seen in the time series.
1.7 Retrospective payments
Some companies make retrospective bonus payments. We do not reflect these payments in the monthly milk price figures. The annual average price for farm-gate milk in 2019, including retrospective payments, is 29.10 ppl, 0.23 ppl more than the annual average price without retrospective payments (28.87 ppl). In 2019 total retrospective payments were 2.0% lower than 2018 at £34.7 million.
A retrospective payment is when a company makes a payment to a farmer that is outside the normal contract price they receive and is generally paid on prior production, for example profit sharing.
1.8 Revisions and estimates
UK volume data for April has changed to 1,330 million litres.
England and Wales survey response in May was 86%.
1.9 National Statistics status
National Statistics status means that our statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value, and it is our responsibility to maintain compliance with these standards. The statistics last underwent a full assessment Assessment Report 271 Statistics on Agriculture against the Code of Practice for Statistics in 2014 Since the latest review by the Office for Statistics Regulation, we have continued to comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics and have enhanced data quality by reviewing methodologies and data sources. The next update of this monthly notice is at 09:30 on 30th June 2022.
Enquiries to: Julie Rumsey, Tel: +44 (0) 208 026 6306
email: [email protected]
Defra, Rm 201,
Foss House,
Kings Pool,
1-2 Peasholme Green,
York,
YO1 7PX