The United States Department of Agriculture reported today that dairy cow slaughter shot up 15.5% in July over year earlier levels, with 239,000 cows moving through Federally inspected plants.
The July over June 2012 figures were also up 10,000 head. Year-to-date, culling is up 5.8%.
New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas were up 89% in July, and 65% since the beginning of the year. The Mid-Atlantic region is up 23% in July culling, and up 11.5% year-to-date. The Midwest is up 13% in July, but year-to-date has culled 44,000 cows fewer than last year. California and Arizona culled just 2,000 more cows in July compared to last year, but are up 5% for the year.
Source: AgWeb