USDA reported this afternoon that April U.S. milk production was up 1.5% over last year, with estimated cow numbers up 78,000 head.
Western states reported the most gains in cow numbers: Idaho, +19,000; Texas and Arizona, both +16,000; California, + 14,000, and Colorado, +9,000. All of these states reported significant milk production increases as well. California, +2.6%; Idaho, +4.6%, Texas, 7.8%, Arizona, +8.2% and Colorado, +7.8%.
Wisconsin was up 5,000 cows in April over last year, but milk production actually declined 0.1%. Milk per cow in the Dairy State was 100 lb. lower this April.
New York reported 0.8% more milk with cow numbers holding steady. Pennsylvania showed a 0.8% decline, even though cow numbers grew 2,000 head.
