February Milk Production Up 4.6%, But Not Really
The United States Department of Agriculture reported this afternoon that February milk production was up 4.6%, but that’s a leap year number. On a daily basis, milk output was up just under 1% (0.95%).
California milk production, on a daily basis, was down 2.9%. This is the 15th straight month of milk production declines. Wisconsin, again on daily basis, was up 5.1%.
The surprising numbers, however, are that total U.S. cow numbers were also up 4,000 head compared to a year ago, and up 2,000 head over January. California cow numbers are down 5,000 from a year ago. Texas, down 13,000 cows, and New Mexico, down 12,000, are undoubtedly reflecting losses from the Goliath Blizzard that occurred in late December.
Biggest increases in cow numbers were Michigan, 11,000; Idaho, 7,000, South Dakota, 7,000 and Wisconsin, 5,000.
You can read the full report here. Be sure to adjust all numbers for leap year.