In Mexico’s Sinaloa state, extreme heat is significantly impacting milk production in the region’s main dairy basin. With daily losses of up to 10,000 liters, producers are struggling to maintain stable output, raising concerns about the upcoming months.
The dairy sector in Sinaloa, a northwestern state in Mexico, is facing serious challenges as extreme temperatures continue to suppress milk production. According to the Local Livestock Association of Mazatlán (Asociación Ganadera Local de Mazatlán), daily output in the region’s primary dairy basin has dropped by as much as 10,000 liters, bringing production down from pre-heatwave levels of 100,000 liters per day.
José Antonio Lizárraga Rivera, President of the Association, explained that both the animals and the milk’s preservation are being affected by the heat. “There is indeed a decline because the heat affects both the dairy farmers and the preservation of the product,” said Lizárraga. The heat not only reduces cow productivity but also complicates logistics as pasteurizers require consistent milk supply.
The summer of 2025 has proven particularly harsh, with more intense and prolonged heatwaves compared to previous years. While fluctuations during warmer months are expected, the scale of this year’s drop has raised alarms across the industry.
Producers are having to make operational changes and implement stricter quality control to ensure the milk that does reach pasteurization plants remains usable. Due to its perishable nature, any delays or excess heat exposure can compromise the product’s quality quickly.
The dairy community expects these production challenges to persist through the summer, with potential recovery anticipated only when cooler weather arrives around October 2025.
