Driven by strong dairy prices, U.S. dairies continue to expand production, herds.
Driven by strong dairy prices, U.S. milk production continued its upward trend in February, rising 4.6% over year-earlier levels.
Milk production in the 23 major states totaled 15.2 billion pounds, USDA reported today. That output was actually up 8.3% from February 2011, but the percentage increase was adjusted lower after factoring in last month’s additional leap-year day.
Per-cow production averaged 1,782 pounds, 117 pounds above February 2011.
The nation’s dairy herd grew to 8.51 million head, an increase of 102,000 over February 2011 – and 8,000 more than January 2012.
Western states showed strong milk output last month, with California increasing its milk production by a whopping 10.9% over February 2011. The Golden State produced 3.506 billion pounds of milk in February 2012.
Likewise, Arizona’s production rose 11.9% over February 2011. Colorado climbed 12.2%, New Mexico 8.7%, Utah 12.4% and Washington 9.0%.
Read the full report here.
