The calving season currently in full swing on our suppliers’ farms, triggers the starting point on the annual milk curve, the production profile which influences how Westpro and our customers plan everything from milk collection and production capacity to product manufacturing and global supply commitments. The milk curve guides how we match our production of powders, proteins, and nutritional ingredients to market demand across the calendar year. The country’s milk production curve is shaped by our seasonal system and differs from the flatter, year-round production profiles in many other parts of the world

A critical time for farmers

Calving, typically beginning in late July, peaking through August and September, is timed to coincide with the warmer weather and flush of new spring growth. The seasonal alignment means cows have access to abundant, high-quality grass when their needs are highest – after calving and during early lactation.

It heralds one of the busiest periods on the farming calendar for thousands of farmers and their teams, managing animal health, nutrition and calving logistics – often in cold, wet, spring conditions. Calving is where it all begins and there is little let up as the curve starts to rise with milk volumes peaking in October. It’s a time of long hours, big decisions and rewarding moments as new calves arrive and herds settle into milking.

As we head into the new season, we acknowledge the effort of our farming community that goes into this pivotal period and thank our farmer suppliers for setting the foundation for a strong milk season.