Milk Production
While milk prices across the country might be high, milk production has slid lower for the fifth consecutive month in 2022. According to the USDA Milk Production Report, milk production in the 24 major states during May totaled 18.8 billion lb., down 0.6% year-over-year. Throughout the U.S., milk production totaled 19.7 billion lb., down 0.7% from May 2021.
Source: USDA Milk Production Report, June 21, 2022
USDA May Milk Production Report stats include:
- U.S. milk production: 19.72 billion lb., down 0.7%
- 24-state milk production: 18.84 billion lb., down 0.6%
- U.S. cow numbers: 9.405 million, down 102,000 head
- 24-state cow numbers: 9.912 million, down 84,000 head
- U.S. average milk per cow: 2,096 lb., up 8 lb.
- 24-average milk per cow: 2,114 lb., up 8 lb.
Cow Numbers
Cow numbers across the U.S. declined 102,000 head year-over-year. States who lost the most animals include:
- New Mexico – down 38,000 head
- Michigan – down 18,000 head
- Washington – down 14,000 head
- Florida – down 13,000 head
- New York – down 10,000
States who gained animals include:
- South Dakota – up 23,000 head
- Texas – up 21,000
- Iowa – up 4,000
- Georgia – up 9,000
- California – up 3,000
Average Milk Per Cow
Average milk per cow showed little growth compared to May 2021. Both the entire U.S. along with the 24-major dairy states added 8 lb. to the average milk produced per cow.
States whose average declined include:
- California – down 40 lb.
- Washington – down 30 lb.
- Arizona – down 25 lb.
- Florida – down 5 lb.
- Idaho – down 5 lb.
States whose average increased the most include:
- Michigan – up 55 lb.
- Texas – up 50 lb.
- Illinois – up 40 lb.
- New York – up 35 lb.
- Virginia – up 35 lb.
