In this depressed dairy industry, the number of dairies going out of business has his record highs. As part of the March milk production report released on Tuesday, USDA reported 2,731 dairy farms went out of business in 2018. 40 of the 51 states in the U.S. lost at least 60 farms. No states saw farm numbers increase. However, 12 states reported that dairy farm numbers remained unchanged: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Here are the top 10 states that lost the most dairies in 2018:
#10. Iowa – In 2017, there were 1,200 licensed farms in the state. In 2018 there were 1,120 farms, a difference of 80 farms (6.6%).
#9. Vermont – In 2017, there were 820 licensed farms in the state. In 2018, there were 730 farms, a difference of 90 farms (10.9%).
#8. Indiana – In 2017, there were 1,070 licensed farms in the state. In 2018, there were 965 farms, a difference of 105 farms (9.8%).
#7. Missouri – In 2017, there were 1,040 licensed farms in the state. In 2018, there were 920 farms, a difference of 120 farms (11.5%).
#6. Ohio – In 2017, there were 2,380 licensed farms in the state. In 2018, there were 2,200 farms, a difference of 180 farms (11.5%).
#4. (T) Minnesota – In 2017, there were 3,210 licensed dairies in the state. In 2018, there were 2,980 farms, a difference of 230 farms (7.2%).
#4. (T) Michigan– In 2017, there were 1,750 licensed dairies in the state. In 2018, there were 1,520 farms, a difference of 230 farms (13.1%).
#3. New York – In 2017, there were 4,470 licensed dairies in the state. In 2018, there were 4,190 farms, a difference of 280 farms (6.3%).
#2. Pennsylvania – In 2017, there were 6,570 licensed dairies in the state. In 2018, there were 6,200 farms, a difference of 370 farms (5.6%).
#1. Wisconsin – In 2017, there were 9,090 licensed dairies in the state. In 2018, there were 8,500 farms, a difference of 590 farms (6.5%).
