The United States Department of Agriculture reported Friday that July milk production was up 1.4%, continuing a trend that has been a troubling year.
Cow numbers were also up 18,000 head from a year ago and 2,000 head above June. Milk per cow was up as well, with production averaging 1,920 lb, up 1.2%.
California continued its 18-month downward trend, however, with milk production off 0.8% from a year ago and cow numbers down 10,000 head. But the Number 2 dairy state, Wisconsin, reported a 2.1% increase in milk. Milk per cow in the Dairy State was up about 1 1/2 lb/day, but the total number of cows was off 2,000.
The milk production increases continue in both Michigan and South Dakota. Michigan was up 4.5%; South Dakota, +5.9%. Despite widespread drought in New York, milk production there was up 4% and reported cow numbers were up 1,000. Ohio, also suffering through a drier-than-normal summer, saw July milk production up just 0.4%.
Read the full report here.
