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Background Notes

Coverage

The monthly milk and milk products inquiry is a de facto census of milk processors and co-ops.

Milk intake by Milk Processors and Co-ops

Whole milk purchased by milk processors and co-ops from domestic producers through collection depots and separating stations including whole milk obtained from herds owned by the milk processors and co-ops.  The fat content of the whole milk is also collected. To convert milk intake from million litres to ‘000 tonnes use the following formula:

1 tonne liquid milk = 971.1585 litres.

Skimmed milk

Milk with less than or equal to 0.3% fat content.

Semi-skimmed milk

Milk with between 1% and 1.8% fat content.

Skimmed milk powder

Milk powder with not more than 1.5% milk fat content.

Cheese

The cheese figures are not adjusted to a calendar month basis.

Imported Milk Intake

Raw milk imports and imported milk for processing on contract. This does not include milk already packaged for retail sale.