USDA estimates cow numbers dipped 1,000 head compared to June, but are still above 9.4 million head for the third consecutive month. Compared to a year ago, cow numbers are up a whopping 74,000.
On an individual state basis, California was down in production again, off 0.2%. Milk production per cow was up slightly versus a year ago in California, but the state’s dairy farmers are reporting 13,000 fewer cows.
The big gainer in July was Texas, up 35,000 cows and up 132 million lb of milk, or 14.8%. New Mexico was also up 8.4% in milk production and 19,000 head. Utah was also up 9.6%. Kansas and Michigan, which had been on a torrid expansion pace, were up 4% and 2.9%, respectively.
Wisconsin, the Number 2 dairy state, was up just 0.7% with cow numbers unchanged. Good weather and good feed in Minnesota saw milk production climb 3.1% there, even though cow numbers declined 4,000 head.
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Source: Farm Journal’s MILK
Link: http://www.milkbusiness.com/article/u-s-milk-production-up-1-8-july
