The United States Department of Agriculture reported this afternoon that estimated U.S. milk production was up 3.2% in April over a year ago. Cow numbers are also up—5,000 head over March and 90,000 head over a year ago.
This follows March surge of 4.1%. Year-to-date, milk production is up 4.7% (though 2012 has an extra with leap year).
Once again, western states led the surge in milk production in April. California was up 3.1% , or 109 million lb. Utah had the largest percentage gain, up 7.9%, followed by Colorado, +6.8%.
But the Midwest also showed gains. Wisconsin was up 3.5%, or 77 million lb. Michigan was up 6.2%; Indiana, was +5.6%, and Ohio, +4.8%.
The only state reporting a decline was Pennsylvania, down 1%. Cow numbers in Pennsylvania declined by 5,000 head.
The full report can be read here.
