USDA reported this afternoon that November milk production was up an estimated 2.7% nationally (3.1% in the top 23 dairy states). Cow numbers were also up 30,000 head from November 2009, but were unchanged from October 2010.
California was up 4.5% in milk, though cow numbers were 15,000 head fewer than last year. Milk per cow in California was up 95 lb. in November, a 5.4% increase.
Arizona (+8.7%) , Oregon (+8.4%) and Idaho (+7.2%) also reported strong gains. Arizona cow numbers are up 14,000 head , an 8% jump over a year ago. Oregon was up 7,000 cows (6.1%) and 35 lb. of milk per cow. Idaho is up 24,000 cows, a 4.4% increase.
Wisconsin also reported 7,000 more cows, but that’s only a 0.6% increase. November milk per cow in Wisconsin was unchanged from a year ago. So the Badger States total milk production was completely a reflection of larger cow numbers.
The biggest losers in November were Missouri, down 8.1% in milk and 9,000 in cows, and Iowa, down 3.3% in milk and 11,000 in cows.
For the complete report, click here.
