The United States Department of Agriculture reported this morning that 10,000 more dairy cows were sent to slaughter through Federally inspected plants this June compared to last year. That’s a 4.5% increase in kill rate.
In June, dairy producers sent 229,000 head to slaughter. Year-to-date, they have sent 1,523,000 cows to their demise, 65,000 more than last year (+4.5%).
Nevertheless, yesterday’s June milk production report estimated there are still 9,241,000 dairy cows on U.S. farms, 45,000 more than a year ago. As we reported yesterday, U.S. milk production was up 0.9% in June over last year. But that pace is slowing from the 5.3% increase in the first quarter and the estimated 2% increase April through June.
The full livestock slaughter report can be read here
