USDA reports that estimated U.S. milk production climbed 2% in February over year earlier levels. Cow numbers are also up 68,000 head over a year ago, despite strong culling.
California was up 2.4% on milk, but cow numbers were actually down 8,000 head. Milk per cow was up 50 lb. Wisconsin was up just 0.5% on milk, all on the strength of 6,000 more cows. Milk per cow remained unchanged.
The largest percentage increase in milk production came in Florida, up 12.2%. Cow numbers grew 5,000 head and milk per cow was up 120 lb. in February (or more than 4 lb./cow/day). At 1,715 lb./cow, Florida’s milk per cow was eighth in the nation.
Idaho production grew 3.4% in February with cow numbers growing 19,000 head, a 3.4% jump. New York production was up 3.8%. The final top five state, Pennsylvania, was down 0.2%.
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