Major Dairy States Show Slight Inventory Growth

Dairy cow numbers for 2010 grew modestly compared to the previous year, according to USDA. The dairy herd in the 23 major producing states was up .7%, while the total U.S. inventory was up only .3%. Compared to the 2004-2008 average, the December report showed the total U.S. inventory is about .4% or 38,000 head smaller.

The Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) reports the 23 major dairy states continue to accumulate a larger proportion of the U.S. milk cow herd, while other states continue to lose cow numbers. USDA reports monthly, quarterly and annual inventory data for these 23 states. The list includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

These states account for nearly 92% of the nation’s milk cows. In 2003, LMIC reported the 23 major dairy states held 89% of the total U.S. dairy cow inventory.

For more information visit www.kla.org.

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