The United States Department of Agriculture reported this week that May milk production was up 2% over a year ago, with cow numbers up 76,000 head. Cow numbers were down 4,000 head from April, however.
California reported a 1.9% gain in production, with cow numbers up 16,000 head. Wisconsin was up 2.4% in production, with cow numbers up 5,000. New York and Idaho were both up 2.5% in milk production, but cow numbers remained steady. Pennsylvania showed a 2.1% decline in milk production, and cow numbers were down 7,000 head.
Production per cow was up in 18 of the top 23 producing states. Iowa, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas reported slight declines in milk per cow and Washington reported similar production from a year ago. On average, however, milk per cow was up 22 lb. to 1,924 lb./month in the 23 top states.
The complete May production report can be read here.
