- Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection predicts 455 dairy farms closed in 2023.
- Minnesota lost 146 dairy farms between January 1st and November 2023, averaging 7.4% loss.
- Wisconsin lost 50 farms in April, 48 in October, 47 in July, 58 in November, and 34 in August.
- USDA reports 2% more milk cows than a decade ago, but fewer dairy animals and fewer farmers.
The number of dairy farms continues to decline. Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection reports that 455 dairy farms will close in 2023. Minnesota lost 146 dairy farms between January 1st and the end of November, leaving both states on pace to lose 7.4% of their dairy farms by 2023. Minnesota’s agricultural data for January 1st are not yet available.
Wisconsin lost 50 farms in April, 48 in October, and 47 in July. Minnesota lost 58 dairy farms in November, and 34 in August. Not every state keeps track of the number of licensed dairy farms.
According to the USDA, the US has around 2% more milk cows than a decade ago, but there are less dairy animals than a year ago, as well as fewer farmers managing those cattle.
