Favorable weather has helped New Zealand farmers post strong late-season production.    Over the January-April period, New Zealand milk production was up 9.3% from last year (including a 33.3% jump in April), according to industry figures.  
Output for the year ending May 2011 is projected to be up 4-5% from the 2009/10season.   During the first four months of 2011, NZ Whole Milk Powder exports were up 38%.   Exports of Skim Milk Powder and cheese were lower and shipments of butterfat were flat compared with 2010 levels.