The United States Department of Agriculture reported this afternoon that U.S. milk production climbed 1.1% over year earlier levels in February. That extra milk came from more milk per cow because estimated cows numbers actually decline 12,000 head from a year ago (though they remain unchanged from January at 9.211 million).
California reported a 5.3% jump in milk output with cow numbers up just one thousand head. Colorado, up 6%, had the largest increase in milk output of the top 23 major dairy states. Colorado cow numbers were up 5,000 head.
The Midwest, suffering through one of the toughest winters of the past 30 years or so, didn’t fare so fell. Wisconsin’s milk production was down 2%. Iowa was down 2.7%, Minnesota -2.3%, and Ohio, -3.7%. Cold temperatures, requiring more calories for body maintenance, and poor forage quality were likely to blame.
You can read the full report here.
