October’s U.S. Milk Output Increases 1.5%

U.S. milk production in the 23 major dairy states during October grew 1.5% from year-earlier levels to total 14.4 billion pounds, USDA said today.

September’s revised production number of 14 billion pounds was 1.8% higher than September 2007.

Per-cow production averaged 1,700 pounds for October, 3 pounds over October 2007.

The total number of milk cows also rose to 8.46 million head. That’s 105,000 head more than October 2007, and 1,000 head more than in September 2008, USDA said.

Texas showed the biggest production gain, jumping 14.1% over October 2007’s output. Kansas was second in output increase, gaining 10.7% over year-earlier levels.

California production dropped 0.9% in October, while Wisconsin rose 1.9%. Idaho showed a 6.2% increase, and Colorado a 5.6% jump, over October 2007

Read the full report at: http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1103.

Catherine Merlo is Western editor for Dairy Today. You can reach her at cmerlo@farmjournal.com.