The United States Department of Agriculture reported this afternoon that U.S. milk production grew 1.8% in November over last year. Cows numbers are up 91,000 head above a year ago (1%) but down 1,000 head from October.
Texas reported the largest year-over-year increase, up 8.4%. Other big gainers were Florida, +6.6%; New Mexico, +6.3%, and Arizona, +6%. Cow numbers in Texas are up 20,000, or 4.8%.
Florida, New Mexico and Arizona are collectively reporting 29,000 more cows.
California milk production was up 2.4%, but the big story there is increased cow numbers, up 27,000 head (1.5%). Wisconsin was up 1.6% on milk with no change in cow numbers.
Those reporting lower milk production were Pennsylvania, -2%; New York, -1.3%; Missouri, -0.9%; Virginia, -0.7%; Ohio, -0.2% and Minnesota, -0.1%. Collectively, these states are down 9,000 cows, though it should be noted Minnesota is reporting 1,000 more cows than a year ago. It’s production decrease came as a result of 5 lb./cow less milk in November.
The full report can be read here.
