Heat Wave Hits Italy’s Dairy Farms, Threatening Burrata Supply

Rising temperatures cut milk yields, jeopardizing the country’s beloved cheese

During the recent summer heatwave, many Italian farms reported a noticeable drop in milk production. Extreme temperatures force cows to drink more water and spend less time grazing, which directly reduces the amount of milk they can yield.

For a nation that lives and breathes cheese, the impact is immediate. “Our herds are stressed, and the milk we collect is thinner and lower in volume,” said Marco Lombardi, a dairy farmer from Puglia. “If this continues, we’ll struggle to meet the demand for fresh mozzarella and burrata.

Consumers may soon feel the effects at the grocery store. Burrata, the creamy, buttery cheese that has become a staple of Italian cuisine and a favorite on menus worldwide, relies on a steady supply of high‑quality milk. With production slipping, producers warn that prices could rise and availability may become limited.

Experts point to climate change as the underlying driver of these heat spikes. Long‑term forecasts suggest that Italy will experience more frequent and intense heat events, putting additional pressure on the dairy sector.

To mitigate the crisis, some farms are investing in cooling systems, shade structures, and selective breeding for heat‑resilient cattle. However, these measures require significant capital, and smaller producers may struggle to keep up.

As Italy grapples with the dual challenge of feeding a cheese‑loving population and adapting to a warming climate, the future of burrata—and many other dairy delights—remains uncertain.